Lies And Consequences
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 21:1-15; 22:1-23 (NIV)
(Ng Su-Ran, Precept Facilitator)
READ:
David, on the run from Saul, arrived at Nob and lied to Ahimelech the priest (that he and his men were on a secret mission for Saul) so as to obtain provision (consecrated bread) and a weapon (sword of Goliath) for himself. (1 Samuel 21:1-9)
Saul later accused Ahimelech of conspiring with David and ordered the death of Ahimelech and all his father’s household. 85 priests and others were killed. (1 Samuel 22:11-23)
OBSERVE:
David was alone and desperate, hungry and fearful for his life. He lied to get food and a weapon for himself. There was no ill intent against another person; the lie was not meant to harm anyone.
Yet, the lie had consequences.
David was not present when Ahimelech and his family were killed. He learned of their deaths only later when Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son who escaped, reached him. And David acknowledged that he had, by his action, brought death on every person in Achimelech’s household.
APPLY:
Do we tell a lie to get out of a difficult situation? Do we make up a story or embellish a fact (and thereby create a wrong impression) to obtain a benefit, gain sympathy or to support a cause? Do we think that if our lie does not amount to stealing or depriving someone else of something, or if it is for a good cause, then it is not wrong? Unfortunately, we see such scenarios often in the news and on social media.
When we face difficulties or are focused on a cause, we often forget to seek God and, instead, try to rely on our own abilities. We resort to telling an innocuous lie and think that it does not matter.
But, as we see in David’s case, lies have consequences. The consequences may not fall on us directly, or immediately; we may not even learn of them.
I am reminded that we need to remember we have a loving God to whom we have access through Jesus Christ. We are not alone. We should seek Him in our difficulties and in all we do.
As David sang in Psalm 59:17 (NASB) “For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me loving kindness.”
DO:
I shall count each day the blessings that God has showered on me, recall how He has seen me through in the past, and trust that He is always with me.
I must remember to seek God in all that I do, not to try to solve matters without Him.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your grace and loving kindness toward us. Help me to seek You first in all that I do, faith to trust You and strength to wait on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
