“So David inquired of the Lord…”
1 Samuel 23:2
God’s guidance is essential for making righteous decisions.
This may seem so obvious as to require no comment. Yet, having been involved in church leadership for a number of years, I have regularly watched Christian leaders assume they know God’s will, and so fail to ask for God’s guidance. Frankly, far too often I have been that leader! It’s easy to move in a particular direction based upon our own expectations or our interpretation of the circumstances. But in this passage we find David, in the face of a “no brainer,” pausing to seek the Lord’s will no less than three times! When David was at his best, he followed this pattern of asking for the Lord’s direction. And it was this, as much as anything in his life, which made him a man after God’s own heart. Conversely, his failure to do so resulted in some of his most glaring mistakes. But in this passage, David shines in his careful attention to God’s will.
The passage also teaches us something about the general leading of God in our lives. The three instances given us here illuminate and can help us navigate the murky circumstances that often surround us. As God’s children, we want to follow His will, but the Holy Spirit’s leading can sometimes seem unclear. The principles given here can provide some guidance, whether we are in a position of leadership or simply seeking to follow Christ in our daily lives. So, what are these principles?
1. The Lord consistently guides us toward ministry. V.2
The Philistines were attacking God’s people at Keilah and David had the means to help them. His band of followers had grown to about 600 men, so he had a respectable fighting force that could be used to help his brethren. David’s instinctive response was to rush to their aid, but he stopped to first seek the Lord’s direction. Once he received the Lord’s blessing, he began to move to break the Philistine siege.
While it may be difficult to determine WHICH ministry in which to be engaged – there are, after all so many opportunities – the Spirit will generally lead us in the direction of using our gifts and abilities for the sake of others. This was our Lord’s pattern of life and ought to be ours as well.
2. The Lord usually leads away from selfish considerations. V.4
David’s decision was questioned by his men who clearly anticipated the dangers of adding another enemy to their list. They were already running from Saul, why take on the Philistines? Militarily, attacking the Philistines would put David and his men at greater risk. David wisely considered their objection and laid it before the Lord. God promised victory and on that promise David moved forward.
Ministry, whether at home or overseas, is inherently risky. If we only consider ourselves, we will never get involved. But the followers of Christ are called to deny themselves and to take up their cross. So if our thoughts are consumed with our needs, our comfort and our security, we are probably NOT listening to the Spirit’s guidance. It is interesting to note, however, that in the context of David’s obedience, God provided for the physical needs of his entourage: their defeat of the Philistines allowed David to “lead away their livestock.”
3. The Lord leads us to act for the good of His people. Vv. 11,12
David rescued Keilah and then heard that Saul had located him, and was intending to come destroy the city. David was understandably concerned for himself and for the safety of his men, as well as for the safety of the city. So he again inquired of the Lord and was told that Saul would indeed come down to Keilah, and that the men of the city would give David up to save themselves. So, for the good of all concerned, David chose to leave the city and find refuge elsewhere. As a result, Saul gave up the pursuit for a time.
The fact that you have ministered to the needs of the brethren doesn’t always ensure that they will acknowledge that ministry or be thankful for it. But whether you are affirmed in ministry or not, the general principle of loving the brethren requires us to act for their good – even if it means sacrifice or loss on our part.
In his sensitivity to God’s will, David once again provides us with an illustration of his greater Son, our Lord Jesus. But where David failed repeatedly in his obedience to God’s will, Christ excelled on our behalf. And as we watch Him walk through His earthly ministry, we find Him following the will of His Father from beginning to end. These three principles were repeatedly exemplified in Christ’s earthly ministry, and can be seen most clearly in His willingness to sacrifice His very life for our redemption. May God give us the grace to walk in Christ’s footsteps and make our decisions according to these same principles.
