SOAP 06/08/2015; 1 Samuel 21:10-12

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21

S ) "¹⁰ Then David arose and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish king of Gath. ¹¹ But the servants of Achish said to him, 'Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying,

"Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands"?'

¹² David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath."

1 Samuel 21:10-12 (NASB)

O) David's reputation preceded him, and it got him into trouble. Although he had not yet ascended the throne, it seems it was common knowledge that he would be. In fact, the language used would suggest that it was merely a formality. After all, the people no longer sang Saul's praises, but David's. From v.12, we see David feared Achish, seemingly because of the report given about him. Whether this made him a target for physical danger, or a target for political machinations, we know enough of David to know he wanted neither of these. He eventually acted crazy to escape, and wrote a psalm after this (see Psalm 34).

A) David was fiercely loyal, and continually refused to take the throne from Saul. Even still, his reputation had outgrown him and caused him trouble. In my own life, it's hard to gauge my reputation. I would hope people speak well of me, but Jesus also warned against that. The main lesson to learn from this story, is that my fears are only relieved in God. Having a good reputation can make me a target, just as easily as It could open doors or afford me grace. A good reputation should never be my goal, because what other people know about me will never be as important as what I know about my God.

P) Father, You are my Deliverer. You are my Hope and Salvation, and are able to save me from every trouble- even the troubles I might cause to myself. You are perfect in Your fatherhood, so I choose to trust You implicitly when You discipline me. Open my eyes and ears, to learn the lessons You would teach. Protect me from dangers, physical or otherwise, according to Your will. In every season, I will seek You first, to protect and keep me. Be glorified in my life, and in my reputation. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.