Day 7

HE WHO IS NOT FOR ME IS AGAINST ME

"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement." John 16:8

The contrast between Saul and David at this point of the story could hardly be greater.

Saul was older, experienced, an able statesman who had won several notable battles and held Israel's enemies at bay. Yet he was a sick man in his mind, unable to believe in or accept God's ruling. He did things his way instead of ensuring God's approval and rejected the promptings of God's spirit until he was left to his own devices with devastating results (1 Sam. 16:14; 18:10,12). He was open to Satan's influence, losing his self control, full of fear and determination to retain what God had taken from him.

David, young, strong, healthy and learning fast earned the respect of men wherever he went. Aware of his own abilities yet without arrogance he used the opportunities God gave him (1 Sam. 17:37,49; 18:1,5,26,27) but made no move on his own to hurry the fulfilment of God's promise (1 Sam. 16:7,12,13). In the midst of turmoil and crisis he seemed at peace within himself because he "walked humbly with his God" (Micah 6:8) and tried as far as possible to live at peace with his fellow men. He had a healthy 'fear' of doing anything of which God could not approve and this attitude allowed God's spirit freely to influence him (1 Sam. 16:13).