King Saul, the more he disobeyed the Lord, became increasingly erratic in his behavior. He would love young David one day and hate hm the next. For example: “And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.” (1 Samuel 19:1) Of course Jonathan, being David’s lifelong friend, does not harm his cohort, but rather warns him of the nefarious plot!

Yet in this “usure” environment … Israel was attacked once more by the Philistines, perennial enemies of God’s people. And Verse 8 of 1 Samuel 19 tells us: “And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.”

Immediately upon returning from battle, David resumed his “musician” job, playing for Saul when beckoned. Now read this: “Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled …” 1 Samuel 19:9-10

Wow!

See what I mean?

My point today?

David remained faithful as a solider in Israel’s army, no matter the circumstances he faced in his personal life!

Faithful under fire, even javelin fire!

And watch how God blessed David’s efforts!

Again, our Text verse … “And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.”

I charge each of us today, which happens to be a Sunday, BE FAITHFUL in the Cause of Christ Jesus our Lord!

1 Corinthians 4:2 … “Moreover it is required in stewards (servants), that a man be found faithful.” 

Caution … it is so easy to “talk” about faithfulness, then to “exempt” oneself from its rigors!

Many a time I have heard a Christin criticize unfaithfulness in a fellow church-member … only then to miss three weeks of church for himself, for herself … of course for “personal” reasons!

Perhaps in that case Matthew 7:1 would justly apply … “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

Just a thought.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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