Tag: King Saul

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Where does God fit into the equation?

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 24-26.

At some pastor’s conference somewhere, we were talking about people and situations in our congregations. In response to one story, an experienced pastor said, “That’s something a well-timed funeral would cure.” We all chucked, but we also all nodded in agreement. (And now you’re all wondering, “Is my pastor eagerly awaiting my demise?”)

David has two chances to deal with King Saul once and for all. The first time David is hiding in the cave where Saul retreats to relieve himself. It was the perfect moment. But David wouldn’t touch him. Not the Lord’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24:10). He simply cuts off a piece of Saul’s clothing as proof that he could have ended Saul’s life in that moment.

Not long after that, David finds Saul and his entire army fast asleep. He gets close enough to take Saul’s spear and jar of water. He could have taken the king’s life. But once again David wouldn’t touch the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:9).

Why didn’t David take matters into his own hands? He knew God had made Saul king. At the right time God would deal with him.

God had anointed David king, too. God would take care of him.

It’s always tempting to take matters into our own hands. But before you do, ask, “Where does God fit into this equation?”

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

How David’s Music Brought Relief to Saul

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Gabriel Gurrola on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 16.

Music is powerful. The rhythm makes you tap your foot. Certain songs make you well up with tears. Others you can’t help but sing along with. Some tunes like the national anthem or wedding processional bring everyone to their feet.

My sister studied music therapy in college. We used to kid her that if someone wasn’t feeling well she would know exactly what piano tune would make them feel better. (I know, I know, it’s a teaching tool.)

But it works that way for King Saul.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (1 Samuel 16:23).

David’s melodies changed the mood of the room. The lyrics brought God’s power and promises to mind. Worship replaced worry.

I could use some of that. Daily. I’m grateful for Christian music radio.


Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

What a rush!

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Devin Lyster on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 10.

Suddenly, I couldn’t get the next word out. A wave of emotion washed over me and I felt overwhelmed. I had to pause, take a deep breath, collect myself, and then continue preaching.

I cannot tell you what triggered those moments. They didn’t happen often, and they always caught me off guard. I would be flooded with an awareness of God’s power and presence when I mentioned certain memories, people, or situations.

The best way to describe it: a spiritual rush.

I think that’s what happens to Saul after Samuel anoints him king of Israel. Samuel describes what’s going to happen next. He tells Saul, “You’re going to come across a group of prophets playing instruments and prophesying. The Spirit of God will rush upon you and you’ll join them” (1 Samuel 10:5,6). It all happens exactly as Samuel describes.

Suddenly, it’s real. Saul suddenly “gets religion.” There’s no denying that the Lord is at work here. Saul can’t help but join in with those praising God and proclaiming his power and presence. At the end of the day, Saul could say, “What a rush!”

These moments don’t happen very often. That kind of excitement only comes along once in a while. And you can’t manufacture it. But you can thank God for those special moments that fill you to overflowing with a rush of praise, song, tears, or laughter.

Posted in Devotions, Lent

2020 Lent devotion #16 – Once again, do not eat the blood

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there.  (1 Sam. 14:32-34)

This scene takes place during some of Israel’s intense fighting with their classic enemy, the Philistines. As the battle goes on, Saul has commanded his people to keep fighting rather than stopping to eat. They were exhausted and starving, so when they win some victories, they begin slaughtering and eating some of the plundered cattle on the spot, clearly in violation of God’s law. In one of his moments of faithfulness, Saul supervises them so that all is done in order, and the people are not sinning by eating the raw meat filled with blood.

In times of stress or fatigue, our will power can fail us, and we might just revert to unwise behavior. When you haven’t had a chance to eat all day, you’ll eat whatever’s in the house, even if it’s not good for you. That’s why you really don’t want bags of chips or boxes of donuts in the pantry or containers of ice cream in the freezer. But even better is someone who will help keep you on track. Someone who will encourage you, hold you accountable and walk that healthy lifestyle with you. Don’t get me wrong. Chips, donuts and ice cream are definitely good gifts from God to be enjoyed from time to time. Just maybe not all the time.

Get enough rest, plan and prepare healthy food, enjoy a treat once in a while. That’s some of the best wisdom I’ve received. I’m pretty sure that wisdom can be found in scripture, too. And do it with those you love and care about. Supporting each other is both a gift to be received and to give.

Thanks Lord, for those who help me stay on track. Amen.