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1 Samuel 16:14-21 I know a guy who knows a guy... Day 236

Good afternoon fellow sojourners

Well here is another example of a passage selected on weeks ago (4.24) that I got around to writing today (5.16).  Sermon this morning was "know that you know".  I think this passage is a reminder at least to me that I say God is sovereign but don't always walk in a manner that proves that I believe it.

Blessings

Jeff

Another step in the decline of Saul and the ascension of David.  

Observations:

All in the plan of God.  Samuel privately anoints David as king and then David is brought into the service of Saul to calm him when the harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.  David knew that he was the next king, yet he was submissive to God's timing.  Future kings of Israel and Judah won't be so passive and will resort to assassination. 

Saul loved his successor greatly.  Because David's anointing was known only to his immediate family, Saul would not have known this about David at least at this point.  However, he does know that the kingdom will be torn from him and given to one who is better than him (15:27)

The harmful spirit from the Lord is the means by which David is called upon.  Saul's advisors understand the problem, come up with a solution and David is immediately identified as the man for the job.  God's sovereignty is not just over the final outcome, but every step along the way.  When David started playing the lyre, he had no idea that it would lead to being in the king's service.  When the young man in Saul's entourage heard David playing the lyre, he had no idea that such a gift would help the king.  But God put him in a situation to hear David.

Nobody knew what the outcome of these events would be, but each willingly played the part that God had planned.  Only in hindsight was the plan clearly seen.  

Application:

When we are in the midst of a difficult time, we should trust that the Lord is working all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose.  Trust that we will look back and see how God directed and provided all along the way.

 

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