The Rock of Escape

I'm currently reading and studying 1 Samuel, and I'm fascinated by how the book compares the life of King Saul to the life of David.  

Saul was anointed as Israel's first king.  But early on in his reign, Saul takes things into his own hands, he disobeys God, and he loses God's favor.

David becomes Israel's second king, and like Saul, David also sins against his God.  But David retains God's favor.

There's a lot going on in this account, and it gets complicated.  So I've been trying to wrap my mind around some general teachings.

First, I think Saul, when he becomes king, he truly wants to be a good king.  But in the midst of ruling, he's influenced by the people, by the culture, and by his own desires and sins.  Saul actually thinks he's doing God's work and following God's Word, but he isn't.  

Second, David enters King Saul's service, as both a warrior and a musician.  And early on, Saul becomes jealous of David, pursues David, and wants him dead.

The book has various accounts of David fleeing from Saul and evading capture.  In 1 Samuel 23, in a mountain area, Saul is closing in on David.  Then suddenly, Saul is called away to fight against the Philistines, and David is saved.

That place gets called "The Rock of Escape." 

Third, the Bible speaks of David as "a man after God's own heart."  And it's not that David doesn't sin.  As king, David commits adultery and murder, and plots to cover them up.

But while Saul looks to himself and tries to justify himself in his sins, David sees his own weakness and confesses his sin to his Lord.  

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.                 Psalm 51:3-4a, 10-11

David knows, trusts, hopes in, and reveres His God.  In this prayer, David likely remembers how Saul had sinned and then God had taken His Holy Spirit away from Saul.  And David prays that His God forgives him and doesn't take the Holy Spirit away from him.

As I read through 1 Samuel, I'm reminded of David's prayers, the Psalms he wrote.  David's heart is always looking to his Lord to save him, to be that Rock of Escape.  Whether in physical danger or spiritual need, David cries out to God for help.

And the Lord does indeed stay with David and save him, over and over again.

In the same way, He forgives me and saves me, again and again.  My prayer is to have that humble and contrite heart that David had - a heart that looks to the Lord in trouble, in need, and for forgiveness.   

Prayer:

Lord,

Keep me in true faith.  Forgive my sins, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.  Help me to be in this world, but not of this world.  Keep my eyes on You and your love, and not on my self and my own agenda.  Help me to love and to serve others.

In Jesus's name and with the Holy Spirit.

Amen.