THURSDAY June 13, 2019

The Turning of the Tide

Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
1 Samuel 18:6-7

Saul had enjoyed his own promotion campaign without any challenge. Yet God was orchestrating David’s exaltation as the next King of Israel. He placed praise on the lips of the women as they rejoiced over Saul’s and David’s victories won on the battlefield. Saul was joyfully praised for slaying thousands, and David was praised for slaying ten thousands. Saul took account of the noticeable difference in numbers.

King Saul held a tight fist on his kingdom. He had not anticipated that David would become his replacement. He came to see how the Lord was promoting him. David had killed a giant, the people accepted him, and he was becoming a war hero. The women’s praise became the turning of the tide. David was in favor with Saul, but now, Saul had become so jealous. David had become a threat––his rival.

King Saul, knowing the kingdom was no longer his, should have willingly passed the baton to David, whom the Lord had chosen to be the next King of Israel. He should have humbly stepped aside. Instead, God had to take his position away from him. God had now taken David from watching sheep, to playing the harp in the palace, to killing Goliath the giant, and developing him as a valiant man of war.

When it is time to step down from a ministry and pass the baton to someone else, we need to do so in humility.  If we get jealous and try to hang on to our position, God will take it away from us.  Whether you are leaving a position or taking on a new position, faithfulness and obedience is required in both areas.

You may have to pass some of your spiritual batons but keep working for God. Usefulness for God doesn’t end at a certain age. God can use us until our eyes close in death.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!