Are you Growing Stronger or Weaker?
January 17, 2012
Take a deep breath, now slowly exhale. We are still alive – and as long as we are alive we have the opportunity to initiate change –
Observation:
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. 2 Samuel 3:1
Background:
In 1 Samuel we had the description of David’s appointment as King; our scripture today comes from 2 Samuel, which records the history of David’s reign as King. In our lesson today we find in the midst of the controversy between the two houses of Saul and David, an assessment of the two houses. Our lesson today is one that describes the contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers.
Interpretation/ Application:
Strong means to be physically powerful, well-built, sturdy, and tough
Weak means to be feeble, frail, lacking strength of character, and easily defeated
We are told many things in our scripture verse:
We are told the time-span of the war –“a long war.” Because we are given the length of time, we are also given a glimpse into how this war tried the faith and patience of David. Ultimately this war made David’s final settlement in the throne all the more welcoming. It is the same with us, most often after we encounter long lengths of trials/storms/ negative situations we come out of them with a stronger faith, a added dose of patience and normally we are capable of enjoying the comforts of our reward even the more so… I encourage you to look at long trials differently now.
We are told who the war was between: the house of Saul and the house of David – although the war was between Saul and David, there was a bigger picture to this… as it was a war of grace verses corruption. It is very important that we correctly identify the spiritual aspect of each struggle – We must learn to take inventory of ourselves to determine if we are walking in the will of God. Why? Well I am glad that you have asked! Please keep reading and you will see the importance!
We are given a status update of the David’s house – But the house of David grew stronger and stronger – Meaning many deserted the declining cause of Saul’s house, and sensibly came over to David’s side, as they were convinced that he would certainly win the day. David’s side got ground because Saul’s men could see that David’s house had righteousness on its side, and therefore God was on his side! Here is my point of taking inventory of whether we are walking in the will of God – Just as David, when we have righteousness on our side we have God on our side!
We are given a status update of the Saul’s house– The house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker, – Meaning Saul lost places, lost men, his house sunk in its reputation, grew less considerable, and were foiled in every engagement. Living any kind of way before God is simply unacceptable and destructive – Saul who was King began to live by his own desires and not by the will of God – clearly those following Saul could see the ineffectiveness of his efforts and their wise decision to follow David instead of Saul saved them from sure death and put them back on the winning team! Fact was God’s Spirit had departed from Saul- please read the following supporting scriptures for yourself. (1 Samuel 16:14) & (1 Samuel 15:26-35)
My dear readers, it is only befitting for us to stop, look, and evaluate who we are following and pledging our allegiance too. First we must make the choice pertaining to salvation being offer unto us by God, through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. (For God’s Plan of Salvation please click here) After we have done so, then we must petition the Lord for wisdom to determine if we are exhausting efforts on a losing side – Just as we saw demonstrated in scripture there was clear and obvious signs of Saul’s ruin; mainly because his heart was not after the things of God anymore. It is our responsibility to make sure that the leaders, which we are choosing to follow are chasing after that which God has called us to do until Christ returns!
Please stop, look, and evaluate if your leaders are truly on God’s side.
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