Memorise:
And David said, what have I now done? Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:29
Read: 1 Samuel 17:28-30
28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men;
and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
Message
In today’s Bible reading, we see what seems to be a subtle undertone in Eliab’s unprovoked anger against David. Let’s take a closer look at what was actually going on. David happened on the battle scene by accident, because he was only there on an errand to deliver his father’s message to his brothers and the captain of their unit. It is therefore interesting that David was able to identify his mission in the midst of an affair which appeared to be none of his business. He found his purpose in a remote and indirect call to duty. This is a very good example of how the purpose of God becomes manifest in a person’s life. Despite the fact that Eliab railed accusations of pride and naughtiness of heart against David, he did not deny them or defend himself; he only asked his rhetorical question: “Is there not a cause?” A cause is a very important element of purpose, which usually develops into a passion for an objective, making it worth dying for. David so quickly reached the conclusion that confronting Goliath was a cause he was prepared to die for (1 Samuel 17:32).
Looking at the sequence of events in this story, I have a feeling that David was acting under the influence of a power that was far beyond his control. I sincerely believe that he was very conscious of this fact, and he yield himself to the control of the awesome power of God. The power that moved Samson to tear up a lion with his bare hand. I pray that you will receive that power now in the Name of Jesus. David did not only discover his assignment, he also quickly identified with the One who predetermined the whole process. Let’s consider a few of the steps taken by David. First of all, He ignored and discarded all forms of discouragement that came his way through his brother, Eliab, and through King Saul (1 Samuel 17:28 & 33). In addition, he testified and boasted in the Lord of all the wonderful things God had accomplished in his life (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Furthermore, being sure of God’s support, he refused to rely on human technology (1 Samuel 17:39). Beyond all this, he went ahead to identify with God by presenting himself as an emissary of the Lord of hosts. 1 Samuel 17:45 says:
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. Whom thou hast defied.”
Are you pursuing a cause? Are you a man or a woman with a purpose? If you are ready to identify with the Lord of hosts and employ the same strategy David used, success will be yours.
Prayer Point
Father, I don’t want to wander through life without a mission; guide me to the cause in life which You have created and equipped me for, in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 1-3, 1 PETER 2:13-3:7
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
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