A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture:Proverbs 15:15,17, ‘All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.’

🔴Signals

As we read 1 Samuel 20:1-42, you may have wondered why Jonathan and David need a secret code. It indeed appeared that King Saul wanted to kill David. Twice David avoids Saul’s spear (1 Samuel 18:10-11). Michal, David’s wife, and Jonathan helped him escape death (1 Samuel 19:1-11). And here we are again in chapter 20, repeating the same pattern of envy, fear, and rage.

One thing I understand as an applicable lesson is it is challenging to ‘dethrone’ a leader. When it is evident to everyone involved that the Lord is not directing who we follow (Matthew 15:13-14), we need to take action. Do we protect those we know are kingdom-building? Or, behave as irrationally as the rejected leader?

Like Jonathan, we have allies and those who love the work of the Lord. David’s time had not come for his death. Even though his life becomes, messy God used him to bring glory to his name. While you read through today’s passages, I urge you to think beyond yourself. Don’t fixate on good or evil, heaven or hell but the fruit your life produces. How will your decisions, words, and behaviors impact your community? Is everyone able to see the light of Christ shine through you?