God’s Grace Upon Grace
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 29:1-11; 30:1-30 and Psalm 64 (NIV)
(Woo Li Chun, Disciple Facilitator)
READ:
1 Samuel 29-30 and Psalm 64 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
David escaped from Saul by allying himself with Achish, a Philistine lord. However, he was in a quandary when he was asked to fight with the Philistines against the Jews. God’s grace was evident as the other Philistine lords objected to David’s involvement and got Achish to send him back to his appointed place in Ziklag. What a wonderful outcome!
The relief was short-lived when David and his men discovered that “the Amalekites had attacked Ziklag, burned it down and taken captive the women and those who were there” (1 Samuel 30:1-3). What a tremendous blow!
The men were distraught, grieved and wanted to stone David. “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) He turned to God and enquired whether or not to pursue and overtake the Amalekites. God confirmed it and even provided an informer who led them to the enemy’s camp. God’s grace was again evident in preserving David and facilitating his victory!
When they returned to Ziklag with their wives, children, possessions and abundant spoils of war, David went against the sentiments of some soldiers and gave a portion of the spoils to the 200 men who were too weary to join them and had stayed behind with the supplies (1 Sam 30: 24-25). He also gave gifts to his friends, the elders of Judah (1 Sam 30: 26-31) who had offered safe passage when they had travelled through their territories.
APPLY:
Just as God’s grace was evident during David’s dire moments, David’s act of grace towards his men and others showed that he was grateful and similarly extended God’s abundant grace to others.
DO:
As God commands me to forgive as I have been forgiven much (Eph 4:32), so I too should be as forgiving, generous and gracious to others as God has been to me!
PRAY:
Dear Lord, I praise You that You are so full of love, forgiveness and grace without which there would be no Good Friday or Easter! During this season of Pentecost, let me be empowered by Your Holy Spirit to be Your ambassador reflecting Your grace wherever and in whatever situation I am. For You are worthy to be glorified and Your name to be exalted. May the righteous be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. “And all the upright in heart shall glory.” (Psalm 64:10). In Jesus’ gracious Name. Amen.
