So the past few people bringing news to David didn't exactly get the warm welcome they were hoping for, did they? In Chapter 1 the guy was a liar (he didn't really kill Saul)...and the guys in Chapter 4 snuck into an innocent man's bedroom and killed him in his sleep. Each time someone brought news to David that his enemy was dead, they didn't live much longer. I was talking to my Dad yesterday and he wondered if the phrase "don't shoot the messenger" came from this story.
I looked it up, and the phrase came from Shakespeare in Henry IV... "No one loves the messenger who brings bad news". Although it doesn't originate from our readings the past couple days, it certainly fits the theme!
So many around David were worried about personal gain and selfish ambition. David was patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promise. He wasn't afraid like many of the leaders, and he didn't rely on the strength of other men to assure his control or position. He boldly trusted in God.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Self Reliance
There is a common thread woven into our reading today, found in Jeremiah 50:32 and Proverbs 28:26. Self reliance...AKA pride. Pride brought down Babylon just as easily as it can bring down any individual. The arrogance to think we can handle it all on our own without a need for God. Not just God's help...but His power and ultimate control over our circumstances. Verse 26 tells us "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe".
So how do I walk in wisdom? Wisdom is defined in my Bible as 'the ability to make good use of knowledge; ability to recognize right from wrong; good judgement'. Wisdom is gained by seeking the knowledge provided in the Word. If I'm not in the Word, I cannot be walking in wisdom. So it's hard when I'm reading every day...and yet so often it's just getting through it (not getting through to me). I was thankful today when the two books on our list had a message that tied them together, and made me think about my own pride/self reliance.
Too often my attitude is "I can handle it". How foolish I can be, and how easily I forget who I am and who I AM is.
So how do I walk in wisdom? Wisdom is defined in my Bible as 'the ability to make good use of knowledge; ability to recognize right from wrong; good judgement'. Wisdom is gained by seeking the knowledge provided in the Word. If I'm not in the Word, I cannot be walking in wisdom. So it's hard when I'm reading every day...and yet so often it's just getting through it (not getting through to me). I was thankful today when the two books on our list had a message that tied them together, and made me think about my own pride/self reliance.
Too often my attitude is "I can handle it". How foolish I can be, and how easily I forget who I am and who I AM is.
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