Stealing Glory

Lessons are ingrained in our memories, generally, when learned the hard way.

David was running away from a crazy, madman, -- Saul. The chase was furious, David's life was on the line! So where does David go? Who does he turn to? Well, this man after God's own heart slips up. He biffed it. He went to the enemy lines, hoping they could save him.

What was wrong with that? Well, when you serve the Lord and conquer enemies, word gets around. David's reputation of dividing and conquering was known, even amidst Achish king of Gath (v. 11). This put David's life in even more danger, and he KNEW it!

What stands out to me here is David's apparent lack of faith, which leads to a lie (v.13)
David pretended to be crazy (which he obviously was not) in order to escape the grasp of the king. Was this a lie? Yup. Did it work? Yup. Does the Bible specifically reprimand David for this lie? No.
Why? Why does the Bible not mention David's lack of faith and sin?

Well, a present day example would be: when we are saved, when we are after God's heart, we are no longer condemned by sin (Romans 8:1) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus." The sins we committed, and will commit have been covered by the blood of Christ. Fact. So what does sin do to a believer? Well, there are consequences, and it brings a guilt that makes us FEEL a separation from God, but I've recently learned, it does something far worse to a Believer when we sin.
It robs God of His Glory.
How?
Well, what would have happened if David hadn't had lied? Would God have redeemed him? I believe so.. Question #2, would God have had the opportunity to be Glorified just as He was when David, in faith, slayed Goliath? (1 Samuel 17), I believe so.

You see, David lied, yes; it was wrong, yes, but the consequence of his sin was not being held captive or killed by the king, but it was not giving God the chance to be Glorified in the situation.

The bible says nothing further about the lie, but what could it have said if he didn't lie?! What would the Lord have done if David had said to the king, "I am that man but all that was done because of the God of Israel who fight for His servant"? Oh how I would have LOVED to read that story!

Sometimes I'll biff, slip up, mess up, big time. When I realize it, the sin is apparent, but I think what hurts more, is the reality that I could have allowed God to work mightily in the situation, instead of relying on my own head knowledge, which is often faulted, to save me. I've robbed God of Him using my situation to bring Him the utmost Glory. Sure, my lie may get me out of the trouble, but how awesome would it be for God to get me out of trouble, and to then give Him the Glory for it!

But how awesome is God's Grace, that the Lord still allowed David to be spared despite his slip up? How awesome God is that although David didn't exemplify faith in this situation, God still came out on top for being in control of the situation, and His Grace, still abounds.

Created almost 2 years ago