Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 18 and Psalm 64

Saul knew that he had already been rejected by God as Israel’s king because of his refusal to submit and obey; and Samuel had also told him that God had selected the next king – a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). While Saul did not know who that person was, the realization was growing that the brave, talented and anointed young David was probably the one. Saul’s suspicion and jealousy grew day by day. He was trapped between wanting to leverage David’s success to further his (Saul’s) own ends and, at the same time, having an almost pathological compulsion to destroy David. So on the one one hand he appointed him a commander and used him for muscial ministry, while on the other hand he tried to murder him by hurling a spear at him and by sending him out on a pointless military challenge he believed would lead to David’s death. He was thrilled by the military successes David accomplished for him, but desperately jealous when others celebrated David’s success. Saul’s struggle is painful to behold.

Was there a spiritually healthy attitude Saul could have adopted instead? I suspect the perfect approach would have been the one lived out by John the Baptist in John 3:30-31, when Jesus was bursting onto the scene. Rather than being envious and angry, John surprised his disciples by saying, “The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.’”

How different Saul’s life would have been if he had humbled himself, surrendered to the plan of God, and rejoiced to see it unfolding before his eyes!

Lord, help me to prioritise Your will and to desire Your glory, to the extent that I am able to rejoice at the Kingdom-victories of others. Cleanse me of all envy over the gifts and successes of others. Help me instead to celebrate the goodness You pour into their lives. Amen.