A lesson on the polarized reaction people have toward Jesus Christ, the Greater David, met with either love or hatred. As we continue in our study of 1st Samuel today, we see the covetousness in Saul’s heart growing into greater envy and hatred toward David the son of Jesse, God’s anointed king who foreshadows Christ. Following the death of Goliath, God had blessed David and made him greatly loved among the people of Israel. But Saul in his pride took offence at this. And although David was humble and did not actively seek the kingship role for himself, Saul sought to kill this apparent competitor through various sly means. In the end, his plans would be foiled by God’s sovereign hand.
What we should take from this is that there is no neutrality with God. If you love God, you will necessarily love His law, His ordinances, His attributes, and His chosen servants. Otherwise you are a lover of self, insisting on your own ways and setting your heart upon all sorts of idols: wealth, praise, career success, entertainment, pleasures, and so on; vain treasures which will perish in the end at your own ruination on the coming day of judgement against all rebel sinners. Christ is your only hope of escape from the wrath to come. Not your perceived goodness, nor experiences, nor obedience to a set of rules, nor possessions. Therefore He bids you leave behind the sinful dross of this world and cling to Him alone in hope, for He has upheld God’s law and born the sins of all who trust in Him. Are you trusting in Him?
Understand that Saul’s hatred toward David was not a rational response to some provocation. Instead, it was rooted in an intense hatred toward David's God. Those who love their sins and cling to them do so inevitably in pursuit of their lusts. They suppress the truth about God, ignoring their God-given conscience and sense of guilt for the very things which will condemn them, and in such a state they hate even them that reflect His holiness. All humanity is born into this state of animosity and will remain as such unless they are born again, born of the Spirit. The reason David suffered persecution at the hand of Saul (who represents fallen humanity, the lineage of the Devil) is because David was of the family of God. The same reason Christ who is God and the Head of His people, as well as the prophets and all who desire to live a life of godliness were and are still being persecuted is because they are of God. Do not despair Christian, when you face persecution for righteousness sake, for Christ Himself has called you blessed. By one’s reaction toward Christ as revealed in Scripture, whether with love or hatred, it becomes evident to which family one belongs.
Негізгі бет 1 Samuel 18:6-30 - Love or Hatred
No video
Пікірлер