Lessons in crossing sensible boundaries
- Publication Editor
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
| Sermon Summary by Robbins Jesuraj |
David was already going through isolation and hatred at the hands of Saul (I Samuel 20:31-33), though he was loyal to Saul. At this critical and emotional moment, David was going to Nob and met Ahimelek the priest. He informed him that he was there for the king’s business, while actually fleeing from the king (I Samuel 21:1). By smartly dealing with Ahimelek, David probably thought he was sparing him from any trouble. However, whatever David feared for Ahimelek happened to him (I Samuel 22:18-19).
Though it is difficult to judge David’s reaction at this tight corner, we are ought to depend on the Holy Spirit for right words, as Jesus taught in Luke 12:11-12. “God will provide for Himself a lamb” was one such Spirit-guided response to Isaac from Abraham in a similar right situation ( Genesis 22:7-8). Though the presence of king’s informant Doeg was a possible prompt from the Holy Spirit, David neglected it ( I Samuel 22:22).
At his next encounter in the enemy territory of Gath before the Philistine king Achish, David was again put in a tight situation. David operated out of fear, as he listened to the witnesses of him being a successful warrior for their enemy Saul ( I Samuel 21:10-13). But God expects us to respond with an eternal mindset (Colossians 3:1-2), not just to save the current situation. Again Abraham is a better example to let Lot choose green land which was a situational selfish choice, while he depended on God who promised Him the entire land. (Genesis 13:14).
But David learned his lessons in crossing sensible boundaries in Nob and Gath. Finally, he realised that he was responsible for Ahimelek’s death. However, he was not afraid now and invited Abiatar to be with him in safety. Our Lord looks for such transformed character in us. He looks at our hearts and intentions (I Samuel17:7-8).
D L Moody says “Character is who you are in the dark”. Effective ministry flows out of character and not out of external activity alone. May God help us to show such godly character as we enter tight corners and learn from David’s fall and come back.
