Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Our watch word for today is taken from Chapter 22 of the Second Book of Samuel, verse 37, “You have enlarged my step under me, so that my feet have not slipped.” This is a hymn recorded by the writer of the Books of Samuel, attributed to David, after his delivery from the hand of King Saul. When Saul realized that God had rejected him as king over Israel, due to his grave disobedience to the Lord, Saul’s anger and hatred were flaming against David; for it was foretold by the prophet Samuel, that God will instate David as king over Israel. David had to flee for his life before the wrath of Saul who had instructed his army to hunt David down. One two occasions God made it possible for David to kill his opponent Saul. David chose not to raise his hand against Saul.
He cut off a piece of Saul’s tunic, while Saul was asleep, to show the evidence that he could have slain Saul, but did not act against him. Saul was overcome with remorse; however, it was a very brief and superficial remorse. David and his small army of men kept fleeing from Saul. Finally, Saul, his sons and his army were defeated by the Philistines. David learned that Saul and his sons were slain and mourned for them. It still took years of battles between the house of David and the house of Saul, before David became king as was promised to him. Saul did not acknowledge David’s great military accomplishments in and on behalf of Israel; however, David never tried to claim the crown of Israel for himself. He waited until the elders of the different tribes came to him and asked him to rule over them according to the words of Samuel: “You shall feed My people Israel and be a prince over them,” (One Samuel 16 verse 1).
David had truly a remarkable life, he was not perfect; but he loved God and trusted him. David was not angered when he was shown by the prophet that he had, sinned but repented. He saw God’s hand in his life and God’s protection in his journey to become the king of Israel. God gave Israel peace in the latter half of David’s reign, and he wanted to build the temple for God. God told him that it is not part of David’s work. However, David left donations of material and gifts for his son, Solomon, to start the construction of the temple. King David left a great legacy to the church of the ages in the psalms that are still spoken throughout the world in worship. His life bears witness to God’s mercy in the lives of God’s servants so that they can fulfil the purpose of God’s design.
The apostle Paul teaches in the Second Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 3 verse 17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” (NRSVB). It does not seem as if David had freedom having had to flee from Saul. David was so sure of God’s protection that he never took the law in his own hand. He was sure that God would change the narrow confines of his hiding place into a free and open space, and God did. Throughout situations that beckoned to take David’s life, he was saved miraculously to fulfil his role in the history of Israel. Jesus Christ was born from the lineage of King David. The Spirit of God gave David songs, hymns and psalms to sing in his distress to cheer his soul and those around him. We know that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. He will give his good outcome to us in his time, if we faint not. Trust that you will be established again in a place of safety and peace. God will not allow your foot to slip, or your faith to waver.
Father, we thank you for your Word that you have given us. Thank you for the heroes of faith who teach us to trust you in all circumstances, for you will come through and save us. We thank you that your plans and purposes are for a good outcome and a blessed future for those who trust in you. We pray to you in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.