In 1 Sam 26-28, we see once again David’s loyalty to and respect for the king. Abishai, who agreed to go with David to Saul, was ready to “pin Saul to the ground with one thrust of his spear – no need to strike twice” (verses 6-8). However, David was opposed to “laying a hand on the LORD’s anointed because the LORD Himself will strike him – his time will come” (verses 9-10). This shows us how we are to deal with our enemies – God will take care of them. In verse 12, we read the curious statement, “They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep.” This sleep was similar to God causing Adam to fall into a deep sleep; to Abram’s “deep sleep;” and to the hordes of the nations in deep sleep (cf., Genesis 2:21; 15:12; Isaiah 29:10). This condition illustrates how God is truly sovereign over man – when God causes a man to fall into a deep sleep, that man is absolutely powerless to remain awake – and he will stay asleep until God wants him to wake up. In verse 17, vacillating, Saul asks David, “Is that your voice?,” but here we are told that he recognized it. David taunts Abner about his failure to protect the king. In this incident, we see how Saul came to recognize his sin – at least temporarily. In chapter 27, we see David’s discouragement. After running from Saul a long time, he might have wondered if he would ever ascend the throne, but this is a reflection of our own discouragements in times of impatience. In chapter 28, we see that Saul’s position – both militarily and spiritually – becomes desperate. Though he “inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him” (verse 6). This situation indicates that God limits men’s opportunities to seek Him (cf., Isaiah 55:6-7). As a result, Saul now violates his own policies (verses 9-10), sinks into irredeemable madness, and foolishly seeks out a medium (i.e., a witch). This controversial passage raises a host of questions as Saul asks the woman to “bring up Samuel” (verse 11). However, this woman’s horror - “she cried out at the top of her voice” (verse 12) and God's subsequent announcement are indicative that God – not the woman – sent the spirit of Samuel to deliver His divine, ultimate, prophetic judgment against Saul in a way that is congruent with his evil heart.
Psalm 68:21-27 continues with the triumphal procession of God’s victories over His enemies. I am encouraged by this because it points, ultimately, to the triumph of good over evil. David writes, “Your procession has come into view, O God … the singers … the musicians … the maidens playing tambourines … praise God! There is the little tribe of Benjamin leading them, the great throng of Judah’s princes and the princes of Zebulun and Naphtali” (verse 24-27). In our lives here on earth, we all have experienced the pomp, circumstance, and celebration of a great parade, but Psalm 68 makes clear that what we find here on earth cannot compare to the riches of grace that God has in store for us there – in His eternal home.
Yesterday, in John 18, we read about Pilate’s inner struggle to do the right thing, but here in John 19:1-27, we see that - in the end – Pilate is incapable of strength and simply gives in to his weaknesses (i.e., the chiefest of which is seeking the approval of men). We all have weaknesses, and we must actively recognize them and submit them to our Lord. He alone can strengthen us in them (cf., 2 Corinthians 12:9-11). In verse 14, ‘Pilate said to the Jews, ‘here is your king.’ But they shouted, ‘take Him away! Crucify Him!’ And Pilate asked, ‘shall I crucify your king?’ To which they replied, ‘We have no king but Caesar’” (verses 14-15). By that response, the nation of Israel, as represented by its spokesmen - the chief priests – committed theological suicide by renouncing God as their lawful King. The rest of this section describes the events that led up to and included the crucifixion of our Lord. It was a despicable act - reminding us of the horror of our own sin - and yet, in reality, it represents God’s plan for our redemption. Earlier, we read that Peter could not accept the unthinkable idea that Jesus should wash his feet, but Jesus explained to him that, if Peter refused this act, he would have “no part with” Christ (cf., John 13:8). God is sovereign, and we do not get to decide (therefore, we may not criticize) how He will achieve His plan, His purposes, His ends, and His kingdom. “This all happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (verse 24).
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