Read this verse with me. See if anything unusual strikes you. I see here a glaring “absence!”

“Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.” 1 Samuel 31:1, the first verse of the Book’s last chapter.

This is the day King Saul died. As well as his sons, slain by the persistent and deadly Philistines.

The “absence” I mentioned?

There is no “David” on the scene!

Do you recall another Day the Israelites were in battle against these Philistines? And David was present?

That was the day the uncircumcised giant Goliath met his death! Killed by David, a brave young man.

But Saul had chased David away, under threat of death!

No David, no victory!

Wow!

A godly man does, in a real sense, bring “protection” and “security” and a sense of “victory” to those around him.

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” So says Proverbs 28:1 here.

By the way, we here see that a nation can rise or fall, win or lose … based on the quality of leadership they have!

America, take note!

My point today is simply this … live a godly life. Commune with the Lord intimately. Resolve to be pure.

And God will use you mightily!

Once Scripture called Jesus “a polished shaft!”

A veritable “weapon” in the Hands of God!

“And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me.” Isaiah 49:2

Oh, to be that kind of man, woman, leader!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

What a challenge this morning!

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