05/07 Thoughts & Comments By Dr. Daniel Daves

7-May 1 Sam. 29-30, Revelations 5-6, Psalms 31-35, Proverbs 7

1 Samuel 29:9-11 (NIV)  9  Achish answered, "I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, 'He must not go up with us into battle.'  10  Now get up early, along with your master's servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light."  11  So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

David had served under a Philistine king for over a year and was now planning to fight WITH the Philistines against Saul and Israel's army. He knew that God had departed from Saul and Israel, and he believed that he was on the right side of the battle.  He and his men were at the front battle lines and ready to go.  But the Philistine commanders did not want David in the middle of this battle.  They commanded him to leave the battle and go back.  Though David really wanted in this battle, David and his men complied.

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you'd do anything for it?  As you write out your COMPASS GUIDE godly goals and plans, aren't you ready to seize them when they're within arm's reach?  Yet - David did something amazing as he submitted to the commanders and generals of the Philistines.  He turned around and left the battle.  I personally think that God was keeping him out of this fight as God didn't want His new king to lift a sword against the armies of Israel whom he would lead in the future.  God had a plan that was bigger than David's plan, and God didn't want David to be involved with the death of Saul.

One of the best books I've ever read which made a profound impact on my life is "SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY" by Watchman Nee.  I highly recommend that you get it and read it as soon as possible.  CLICK HERE. This book clearly defines all authority. The bottom line is that our New Testament faith must be accompanied by SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY, and OBEDIENCE TO GOD through submission. I say it this way, "When you walk into a room, find the authority immediately and submit to it." It's not easy submitting to authority when they tell you to do something that you don't want to do. It's not convenient to be within reach of your dream, and then being told to TURN BACK by your authority, as David was. Your mind can pull all kinds of reasoning tactics for you to get what you want, making decisions to NOT submit to authority. But our faith in Jesus Christ is based on obedience to Him and His Word.

John 21:17-19 (NIV) 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Having faith in Jesus Christ means that you will listen to His voice, you will follow Him, and you will obey His commands. Jesus doesn't issue "REQUESTS". He issues "COMMANDS", as He is the King of kings (you) and Lord of lords (you again). This is a kingdom that we're walking in, and we must learn to find the authority, listen to his voice, and submit in obedience, whether we want to or not. This IS the Kingdom of God.

We are living in a day of wishy washy Christianity where people are disobeying the commands of God. Many have this idea that Jesus is their best friend, and that they take His advice sometimes - when it sounds right and fits their agenda. This is not, however, the relationship that God has arranged for us with our Lord and King Jesus Christ. He isn't a best friend to the disobedient, the rebellious, and the one who will not walk with Him in obedience. His disciples are disciplined ones, and they walk WITH Him, they FOLLOW Him, and they OBEY Him.

David showed this quality when he submitted to the Philistine commanders and turned back from the war, though he was just hours away from a great battle that he would enjoy being involved in. May God help us to submit to authority and reach our destinations through obedience to God's voice, rather than through pushing through on our own accord.

As a side note, If David would have fought in that battle, he might have actually been the one who killed Saul. Or he might have had to fight Jonathan, his covenant brother. He might have become overwhelmed, seeing his brothers slaughtered on the battlefield, and he might have turned against the Philistines and lost his own life. Decades later, he might have had a soldier in his army kill him in revenge for the day that he fought against Israel. So many things could have happened, and God was looking far further into his future than he could personally see. His obedience once again earned him the position of "A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART" which God said proudly of David.

Tomorrow's Reading:
8-May 1 Sam. 31, Revelations 7-8, Psalms 36-40, Proverbs 8