Remember the movie The Fugitive (Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones) – unjustly accused; on the run; looking for justice and vindication; wanting to find the murderer of his beloved wife.
See David as a righteous fugitive – on the run and hiding in places we would not expect to find the anointed king of Israel: 1 Sam. 22:1 – David hiding out in the cave of Adullam; strange setting for God’s mighty warrior.
What would be some of the hardships of living your life in a cave? Hunted by the nation’s armed forces? Women: like lots of light in your home… no fun to live in darkness; you think we keep our homes cold… try freezing and damp and clammy; do you like sharing your bed with little critters – who knows what you have in a cave; you don’t get to accumulate a lot of personal treasures – travel light – always ready to move on a moment’s notice; living in dread of being discovered (many Psalms related to this period of David’s life – rich legacy — Psalm 18; 57 – understand that David only wrote about half of the psalms – will be referencing a wide range of psalms).
Where is God when David is on the run and hiding out in the caves and in the wilderness?
God is still on His throne working out His purposes and faithful to all of His promises.
8 AREAS OF STRUGGLE FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUS FUGITIVE – EACH INVOLVES QUESTIONING AN ATTRIBUTE OF GOD:
– UNSETTLING DISCOURAGEMENT — ANGST
–CRITICAL PROTECTION — ANCHOR
–GLIMMERS OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT — ANTICIPATION
[“angst” – a gloomy, often neurotic feeling of generalized anxiety and depression]
I. 1st AREA OF STRUGGLE: QUESTIONING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Unfulfilled Expectations
David could look back on some amazing promises of God that yet remained unfulfilled – regarding the kingship, etc.;
Nothing worse in sports than a prospect who doesn’t pan out; look at NFL draft — #1 draft choices that were a bust
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of Memorials of God’s past faithfulness
The sword of Goliath (21:8–9)
God’s Faithfulness empowered David to act boldly with confidence
Don’t we all wish we had kept better records of the Lord’s faithfulness to our families over the years? We remember some of the bigger answers to prayer… nice to have some tangible, physical memorials…
C. Glimmers of Hope
(22:3) “until I know what God will do for me”
Even Saul prophesied that David would become king in his place and be blessed (24:20; 26:25)
Jonathan kept assuring David of God’s faithfulness as well
25:28–31 Encouragement from Abigail
Hebrews praises those men of faith who had not yet received the fulfillment of all of the promises but persevered in their hope and faith – confident of the Lord’s faithfulness. David is included in that Hall of Fame of Chap. 11 – we are called to imitate his faith
Remembering God’s Faithfulness: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Heb.13:8
Psalm 89 [Ethan the Ezrahite] – FAITHFUL AND TRUE – CAN GOD BE COUNTED ON TO KEEP HIS PROMISES?
Psalm 105 – GOD GUIDES HIS COVENANT PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THEIR PILGRIMAGE TO POSSESS HIS PROMISES
II. QUESTIONING GOD’S FAIRNESS
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Unrewarded Successes – coupled with “Why do the Wicked Prosper?”
“David could look back on some impressive physical and spiritual and leadership exploits that did not seem to be recognized or rewarded
Why doesn’t the Lord treat me nicer… based on all that I have done for Him??
Slaying of the wild animals (lion and bear) by the power of the Lord
Slaying of Goliath – it should have been Saul that stepped forward to the challenge instead of trying to hand his armor to young David
What about God’s universal Harvest Law – as you sow, so shall you also reap?
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of the Grace of God – sovereignly and providentially delivering and providing a way of escape (understand that past successes were due to the grace of God so that He would receive all of the credit)
Lord directed David to deliver Keilah from the Philistines (23:1–5) and then
Directed David to escape from Saul (23:12–14)
The Rock of Escape (23:28)
Providence of God intervened in impossible circumstances to spare David on numerous occasions
Lord specializes in leading us into impossible predicaments so that we will fall on our knees in dependence upon Him; be rescued by Him (chorus — “God will make a way when it seems there is no way”); and then give Him the glory
C. Glimmers of Hope – God is a God of Justice
(26:23) “The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness“
Psalm 10 – THE WAY OF THE WICKED IS NOT HIDDEN FROM THE EYES OF THE LORD
Psalm 18 – A SUPERGOD MAKES HIS ANOINTED VICTORIOUS LIKE A SUPERMAN
III. QUESTIONING GOD’S FORGIVENESS
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Regret and Guilt
David could look back with regret on some of the mistakes that could have saddled him with guilt and depression
Not being totally honest with Ahimelech leading to the slaughter of his family
God let him know that Doeg was lurking and would probably report back to Saul… but David acted selfishly
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of a Good Conscience
David knew he had done nothing wrong – in terms of his dealings with Saul – nothing to justify Saul hunting him down to kill him
20:1,8,32
24:5 extremely sensitive conscience
24:11
26:18
C. Glimmers of Hope
David presented his case to Jonathan, to Saul and then to Abner
Challenged each one to bring to his attention any area where he had treated them unfairly; any area where he was deserving of punishment
Encouraged as they had no valid charges
Must have trumped something up and slandered him to get the support of the people to hunt him down
Psalm 32 – CONFESSION OF SIN CONVERTS THE QUICKSAND FOR SUFFERING INTO THE CONCRETE FOR BLESSING
Psalm 51 – A BROKEN SPIRIT PLEADS FOR FORGIVENESS AND CLEANSING
Psalm 130 – BECAUSE THE LORD MAJORS IN FORGIVENESS WE CAN CONFIDENTLY WAIT FOR HIS ABUNDANT REDEMPTION
IV. QUESTIONING GOD’S FRIENDSHIP AND LOYAL LOVE
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Sorrow of Separation
David could look back on his covenant friendship with Jonathan that would never again
be enjoyed; in fact Jonathan would die in battle (20:8,41)
Connection between love for God and love for the brethren – reverse that: as we experience love by the brethren we are reinforced in the security that God loves us
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.“
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of loyal family, friends and followers
(22:1–2)
Appealing to those who had been similarly disenfranchised – “the down and outers”
An unpromising band of recruits – giving them a second chance at success
The D Squad:
“everyone who was in Distress“
“everyone who was in Debt“
“everyone who was Discontented“
(22:10) Help provided by Ahimelech:
He inquired of the Lord for him
Gave him provisions
And gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine
(22:20–23) Intelligence report provided by Abiathar; also had ephod (23:6)
C. Glimmers of Hope
(20:15; 23:16–18) encouragement provided by Jonathan and renewal of covenant Promises
Psalm 36 – THE LORD’S LOVINGKINDNESS WILL PROTECT US AGAINST THE SCHEMES OF THE WICKE
Psalm 107 – THE LORD’S LOVINGKINDNESS BAILS OUT THE DISTRESSED WHEN THEY CEASE THEIR REBELLION AND HUMBLY CRY OUT FOR HELP
V. QUESTIONING GOD’S PRESENCE
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Loneliness
David was alone in the cave of Adullam – joined by some relatives and some malcontents (21:1; 26:19)
David was a very social people–person; used to a lot of supporting relationships; think of how the people praised him: Saul has slain thousands, but David his ten thousands – had been gaining favor in Saul’s court; loneliness was hard to tolerate; feelings of rejection and failure
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of the Presence of the Lord
20:13 Secret of Contentment – should be enough for us that we have the presence of God
God specializes in engineering narrow escapes
Dangerous form of Hide and Seek; David hiding with his loyal band of followers (now about 600 men);
Saul seeking to destroy him with all the power and resources of the military at his command as well as intelligence gathering resources
Have you ever been in a tight spot… questioning God’s ability to deliver; Finding grace to help just in the nick of time
C. Glimmers of Hope – fellowship with God; meditating on His attributes
Psalm 42, 43
Psalm 46 – [sons of Korah] GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH – THE BEST FORTRESS IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Psalm 102 – THE LONELINESS AND DESPAIR OF SPIRITUAL SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CAN ONLY BE OFFSET BY A VISION OF THE ETERNALITY AND IMMUTABILITY OF GO
Psalm 142 – A CAVE MAN’S COMPLAINT – WHEN I AM TRAPPED AND ALL ALONE THE LORD IS STILL MY ESCAPE ROUTE
VI. QUESTIONING GOD’S PROVISION
a. Unsettling Discouragement of Deprivation
David had been accustomed to the comforts of the royal palace and now lived in conditions of deprivation and hardship
Pressure of being a leader and providing for his band of followers as well as his own needs
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of Humbly Depending on the Lord for daily bread
Background of a shepherd had prepared him for these more rugged times
Incident with obtaining the showbread from the priest
David made a mistake in not being open and honest and allowing the Lord to provide
(21:3; 22:10)
WHEN WE LOSE FOCUS ON GOD’S POWER TO PROTECT US WE
RESORT TO DESPERATE MEASURES TO SAVE OUR OWN SKIN
WITHOUT REGARD TO:
– THE IMPACT ON THE WELL BEING OF OTHERS
– THE IMPACT ON OUR TESTIMONY FOR THE LORD
(23:5) Captured the livestock from the Philistines – lived off of Israel’s enemies
(25:8,18) In the humble position of having to seek provision from the graciousness of others
C. Glimmers of Hope
Psalm 23 – THE GOOD SHEPHERD – CONTENTMENT IS NO PROBLEM WHEN WE ARE FOLLOWING THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Psalm 63 – SATISFYING A THIRSTY SOUL – GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Psalm 65 – THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S POWER AND BLESSING BOTH IN NATURE AND IN OUR LIVES QUIETS OUR HEART IN AWE AND EXCITES OUR HEART IN PRAISE
VII. QUESTIONING GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL PLAN AND WISDOM
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Boredom
David was bored and largely unproductive – struggling with how to spend his time in hiding
Time for contemplation and reflection and learning lessons about the character of God
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of Inquiring regarding the Lord’s direction
Instructed by the Lord to attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah (23:1–5)
God did give David some missions to accomplish
C. Glimmers of Hope
Psalm 8 – GOD DESIGNED SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT MAN TO REIGN OVER THE EARTH IN MAJESTY
Psalm 115 – WE CAN BLESS THE LORD FOR HIS BLESSINGS BECAUSE OUR GOD IS IN THE HEAVENS AND HE DOES WHATEVER HE PLEASES
Psalm 131 – THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT IS TO BALANCE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF SELF WITH LOFTY HOPE IN THE LORD
VIII. QUESTIONING GOD’S PROTECTION
A. Unsettling Discouragement of Fear
David was wrestling with fear and despair – and David was extremely brave warrior
fearful of death (20:3)
fearful of Saul (21:10) (27:1)
fearful of King Achish (21:12)
fearful of being in Judah… much less fighting Philistines in Keilah (23:3)
I am sure David woke many mornings with that feeling of fear attacking him in the pit of his stomach – he had to fight that off by strengthening himself in the Lord
B. Critical Protection – The Protection of the Fear of the Lord – restraining you from taking matters into your own hands [fear God rather than man who can only kill the body] No vindictive, veangeful spirit
David had multiple opportunities to kill the Lord’s anointed, but refused
Don’t make matters worse by taking vengeance on those afflicting you unjustly 24:6 25:26
David restrained by the fear of the Lord from attacking Nabal – Abigail’s husband 26:9ff, 23
C. Glimmers of Hope
22:23 “you [Abiathar] are safe with me“
26:24 “so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord, and may He deliver me from all distress“
Psalm 17 – THE MAN OF INTEGRITY CRIES OUT FOR GOD’S JUSTICE AND PROTECTION WHEN HUNTED BY THE WICKED
Psalm 55 – HOW TO HANDLE PRESSURE SITUATIONS = CASTING YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD
Psalm 56 – ONLY FAITH IN GOD CAN CONQUER FEAR OF MAN
Psalm 61 – THE FAINT–HEARTED APPPRECIATE GOD AS THEIR SOLID ROCK OF REFUGE
REVIEW: (4 F’s and 4 P’s – memorize these; study them further; look at the Psalms cited)
QUESTIONING GOD’S:
-
FAITHFULNESS
-
FAIRNESS
-
FORGIVENESS
-
FRIENDSHIP AND LOYAL LOVE
-
PRESENCE
-
PROVISION
-
PROVIDENTIAL PLAN AND WISDOM
-
PROTECTION
Not difficult to be a righteous fugitive if you are Rock Solid regarding these 8 areas of God’s dealing with His chosen people.
CONCLUSION: Simple promise to cling to:
Psalm 50:14–15 (psalm of Asaph)
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High;
And call upon Me in the day of trouble:
I shall rescue you,
And you will honor Me.
The Living Bible: “I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory.”
That is God’s Master Plan – putting us in divinely designed times of trouble – custom designed for our benefit – so that we will rely completely on Him and He will get all of the glory.