DAY 103

FEAR NOT…EVEN WHEN HIDING IN A CAVE

1 Samuel 22, 23 & 24 and Luke 12:1 – 31    

I am not big on going into dark caves. Today we find David making his home in a cave. David’s situation continues in extremis. He has relocated to a cave and over these three chapters he, and those who have joined him, will relocate several more times. Speaking of those who have joined, here is the Scriptures description: those in distress, and in debt, and bitter in soul…400 of them. My picture is one of a rather tough group to organize and lead. David has more responsibilities; his parents. He has to once again turn to foreigners, Moab, to keep them safe.

Meanwhile Saul is going in the opposite direction; he has resorted to killing priests. His servants refuse and so an Edomite (read a non-Israelite) does his dirty deed.

David saves a city, but as he learns that Saul is on his way, David inquires of the Lord who reveals to him that this recently rescued city will turn on him, and so he flees to Engedi. Engedi is a beautiful place, with springs of fresh water, and caves. Saul of course pursues with 3,000 choice men.

Then we have a moment, a latrine moment! It is one of those stories of the Bible. David spares Saul. He is close enough to cut off part of Saul’s garment, and yet he lets him live! Now that you have read it, I imagine you will always remember that David spared Saul's life while Saul was "going potty." For the moment David and Saul have peace.

In the New Testament we have a series of short pithy teachings from Jesus. There seems to be a theme. He starts off by teaching to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, but then quickly describes a series of situations (even a parable) that have to do with not being afraid of following Him. He says “fear not” for you are more valuable than sparrows to God. He encourages us to acknowledge Him before men and to “not be anxious” when we are brought before rulers. The parable points out the foolishness of trusting in something other than God, and then Jesus’ teaching culminates in not to be fearful or anxious, but instead seek his kingdom.

Remarkably Jesus is not giving us a new teaching. He is instead calling us back to God’s original teaching. We see God’s original teaching in action in the Old Testament. In David’s world the “kingdom is where God’s king is” and David will not kill the anointed King of God…even when this King is trying to kill him.

How can David be so calm? Might it be that he trusts God? Think of all the nights in the fields tending sheep and having to fend off wild animals. David has spent his life learning to trust God. It is what has allowed him to face Goliath without fear. It is what is allowing him to do whatever it takes to stay alive, all the while seemingly remaining calm.

How about you? Think back to all the times God has come through for you. If you were to make a list, how long would it be? Might such a list encourage you to trust God more? I have a sense, and it is just a sense, that David has such a list planted deeply in his mind. I know that you have read quite a bit of Scripture today, but Psalm 57 is described as the Psalm David wrote after this event…it gives insight into his heart and it challenges me in a positive way, and even makes me wonder a bit about dark caves.