JESUS Rocks!

Friday, May 8, 2009

1 Sam 21-22 Ahimelech the priest did not know David was on the run as David misled Ahimelech to believe that he was under a 'secret mission' from Saul when asked. We were told that Doeg, Saul’s man, was there. We are not too sure how much he has heard, whether he has heard David’s explanation to Ahimelech or not. However, we knew he saw David there with Ahimelech and Doeg would know that David was on the run but he did not act against David even though David had no weapon, why? It is likely that Doeg, on his own accorrd, did not dare to touch the man who has God on his side. When blamed by Saul of how his officials (including Doeg) lack commitment and loyalty to the king, Doeg told Saul what he saw. This has led to the slaughtering of Ahimelech’s family. From this, we can learn:
1. Don’t push the blame to others. Doeg, when had the chance of capturing David and did not do so, was blamed by Saul and shifted the blame to Ahimelech. Often, we make mistakes, let us not brush it aside and blame on someone else. It will cause us to harden our hearts as we do not face the truth of our weaknesses in our lives. It is only when we realize we cannot do it on our own, we make mistakes, we sin, we are just human that we will learn to submit all things to God to let Him work in our lives. Hiding is never a good option just as Adam & Eve when they sinned against God. On the other hand, David took up the responsibility of Ahimelech’s death and sheltered Abiathar.
2. Never hear half of the story and act upon it. Doeg may have missed David misleading Ahimelech and shift the blame to him innocently. However, for sure Saul was one who has only heard half of the story. Ahimelech told Saul the truth of how he did not know that David was on the run but Saul, without finding out the whole truth, killed Ahimelech’s whole family – all the more, this is no ordinary family but a family appointed as priests of God.
3. Sins lead to unpleasant consequences. David lied to Ahimelech and though he did not seem to have suffered the consequence of his lie but Ahimelech’s family did. Remembering our sins are not just affecting us would lead us to be more careful in living our lives right before God.

penned at 10:34 PM