"Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David." (1 Samuel 20:33)
I have told you, I think, that I have been on an every-two-month schedule of Bible reading, hence, the devotionals have been all from the readings. Today's has me in 1 Samuel 20-2 Samuel 5.
"Jealousy is cruel as the grave," says Song of Solomon 8:6. It can ruin a relationship between a man and a woman, among family members, business associates, etc. It certainly was the ultimate downfall of Saul. David was held in higher esteem than Saul, and from the day Saul discovered this and forward, Saul set out to kill David. Again, "Jealousy is cruel as the grave."
Jealousy and envy are cousins. Someone has what we don't, but wish we had. It can lead to all sorts of evil, e.g., belittling the other person, always attempting to be and do something which will demonstrate that I am better than "the other," and live full of resentment that I do not measure up to the other. And, I can say with certainty, that if this is not number 1, it is a very close second to reasons that local churches experience infighting at best, ultimately fail at worse.
This certainly manifested in the Twelve. "Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved (this probably did not go unnoticed over the years by the 11) following....Peter, seeing him (probably first mistake), said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?'" That was not a pastoral concern so that he could help John "find his place in the church." I'm no Greek expert, but the Interlinear seems to indicate that Jesus' response is, "What?" I wonder if it could be something like, "What are you really asking, Peter?" Our Lord Jesus' command to Peter is the same for us all, "What is that to you?...You follow Me."
Sorry for the length, but it seems to me that a key lesson here for all of us is that we never attempt to walk in another's "anointing." We remember what happened to David when he put on Saul's armor. He not only must have looked ridiculous, but he told Saul, "I cannot go in these,..because I am not used to them." Jesus has gifted each of us with His giftings for us. Don't attempt to put on "Saul's armor;" if you do, you will look as ridiculous as did David. The Church needs all the gifts in all of us, and we are not to live as, "preferring one before another."
Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit, "O, for grace to trust you more." Amen.
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* Closing on our house is set for August 30. Please pray for no glitches.
* Revealing article of what is now going on in Germany at: jhs58.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
