In chapter 21, David lies on two occasions. Once to Ahimelech the priest (to get some holy pita bread and the big honkin’ sword of Goliath), and once to Achish the king of Gath (to remain in an unkilled state). I wonder why David chose to go to Gath--Goliath’s hometown--toting Goliath’s sword. Seems like the natural conclusion of the Philistines would be just what it was: “Hey, here’s the dude’s been killin’ our people. Let’s squish him like a bug.” So why go there?
Besides that, was it really necessary for him to deceive these folks?
In chapter 22, we get a glimpse of how God’s anointing on David caused serious problems for others. His brothers and his father’s house were dislocated from their homes and forced to flee and wander. Then the priests of the Lord were murdered. Both of these things were a result of God’s plan in David’s life.
The purpose of God in the anointed’s life affects family, friends, the Body of the Christ, even nations. I feel conflicted when I think about it, because I’m afraid sometimes of how God’s dealings with me will “hurt” other people.
My whole life I’ve heard people in church talk about the anointing and being anointed, praying for anointing, etc., always speaking of it in glowing terms. But sometimes I think the anointing doesn’t just mean favor, blessing, and empowerment. The flip side is real, tangible, life-and-death trouble for those we love, for other people of God. It’s a double-edged sword. I confess I’m a little nervous about innocent bystanders (especially family) having to get “blessed” along with me.
“I have brought about the death of every person in your father’s household.” (22:22)
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3 comments:
Being the 'cause' of other's pain is something I fear as well. And I don't enjoy being on the other side of this and being the one with ' life and death struggles'as a result of others anointing...or sins.
There is no getting around the fact that everything we do affects others, either in the natural or spiritual realm.
I guess, though ,we have to be like David in II Sam. 24:11-14. I realize this is during a time of punishment for sin, but the truth still holds. God gave David three choices of punishment. David chose to fall in God's hands. David says, 'Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great;but do not let me fall into the hands of men.'
If we are going to have 'real life and death struggles'anyway...sigh... let it, at least, be because of obedience and not sin.
I have to remind myself of all this constantly ,in the dark times when my mind is screaming at God...'Is this how You treat Your children????!!!'
Recently I said something to someone about suffering for the right reasons.
David's immediate responses to his encounter with Abimelech (Achish) and Doeg (who killed the priests for Saul) are recorded in Psalm 34 and 52, respectively.
David poured out his complaint, worshiped and magnified and encouraged himself in the Lord, and then exhorted others to multiply praise to God.
I have a fear that I"m not able to submit entirely to the Lord and what He is doing, especially as He raises up my husband more and more. But it will be His doing and we'll find it marvelous if we cooperate. We're all going to have be most absorbed in Him as we move on in Him together. I agree the church has treated the anointing in glowing terms almost as an object instead of a Person.
Joni
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