READ: 2 Samuel 21
At some point during David’s
reign, we are told there were three years of famine. Upon seeking the Lord,
David learns that the famine is a result of some unfinished business. Saul had
apparently shown injustice to the Gibeonites – a misdeed that had never been
reconciled; and so David goes forth to right Saul’s wrong. For recompense, the
men of Gibeon ask that seven of Saul’s sons be given to them that they might be
put to death. This seems like a harsh agreement, and whether or not it was
condoned by God is uncertain. Whatever the case, the famine did end after the
sons had been killed and after David honoured the bodies of Saul and Jonathan.
Stories like this often stir
up questions. Conclusions are drawn and alternate answers offered, but there
are some things we will not know for certain. One thing we do learn from this
story is that God will use His creation to get man’s attention. He sends a
famine in order to shed light on Saul’s unjust actions. And He still does such
things today. We do not like to say
it when a natural disaster befalls a nation – it wouldn’t be politically
correct – or when sickness invades a home, but it is nonetheless true. Of
course, disaster – be it in the oceans, land, skies, or human body – is not
always in response to sin; but God is
in control of all things and so He has allowed
such disasters with a purpose in
mind. Nothing happens without God’s allowance. That is a tough pill to swallow
if we have not erected a foundation on the truths of his nature – that He is good and loving and almighty. And
so, when disaster strikes in our lives, we should seek God immediately. We
should ask if He is trying to get our attention in some way. Perhaps He will
reveal an area of sin He wants us to deal with. Perhaps He will tell us that He
is giving us rest through sickness. Perhaps
he will reveal a great picture of what He wants to accomplish through our
trial. Perhaps He will show us how He wants to use this trial to draw us nearer
to Himself. Perhaps He will say nothing but, “Trust Me.” We should not assume
what He will or will not say; we should only trust that whatever His word, it is
the best word.
The chapter goes on to
summarize four battles between Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines were
Israel’s primary enemies during the reign of David. David’s fame in Israel
began when he killed the Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, when David was
only a shepherd boy. Here we are told of the demise of a handful of other
Philistine giants. Once again, God is proved to be the Almighty Champion of
Israel. Even a giant is no match for Yahweh, and so, by His power, those giants
fell at the hands of ordinary men. What is impossible becomes possible when one
is submitted to living according to God’s ways. When HE calls us to action, we
will be victorious. Even battles that seem like losses are victories when they
have come as a result of our obedience.
PRAYER AND JOURNALING
1. Take
a moment to identify an area of struggle or disaster in your life that you have
not brought before the Lord. Spend some time in prayer about this issue. Ask
God what He wants to say about this. Ask Him if He might show you the purpose
He has in mind. Don’t be afraid of His Word! He desires to draw nearer to you.
2. What
is a need or desire you have that seems impossible. Ask God to make it
possible, if it is in His will for your life. Thank God for His power which is
evident through the stories you just read. Ask Him to give you a revelation of
His power and might.
3. Spend
some time in prayer for the Canadian Church. Pray that the truths of Gods
character as defined through Scripture would become foundational truths for
Canadian believers. Pray that God would remove the lies that His people have
believed about Him. Pray that those lies would be replaced with His truth. Pray
that Canadian Christians would become committed to God’s Word and prayer and
that they would stand firm against the devil and his schemes. Pray that those
who have weak faith and struggle with unanswered questions will find rest in
the truth of God’s character.
