Today’s readings.. (1 Samuel 26,27), (Jeremiah 3), (Matthew 14)

Today we read the words which David spoke to Saul when they faced each other in the wilderness. The king had been pursuing David; but David had been able to take Saul’s spear and jar of water from beside him and his men “because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.” [1 Sam 26 v.12]

David called out to Saul from the other side of the hill, it appears there was a ravine between them. Saul admits, “I have acted foolishly and made a great mistake” [v.21] David responds, “Here is the spear O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it.” – then David adds, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness …” [v.23]

The wonder of the way the LORD rewards will not be seen in all its fullness until God’s kingdom is established and the resurrection has taken place; but as we ponder God’s word we see how both good and bad events, that is “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” [Rom. 8 v.28] Paul learnt the wonder of this as he reflected on the course his life had taken – through the actions of God’s Son.

Surely some of the Psalms of David were inspired in his mind as he reflected on God’s guiding care of his life, especially in difficult situations, as we have read today. Look at Psalm 3 v.3-6, then the prophetic Psalm 22 that relates to the mortal life of Jesus – but it must have been founded on some event(s) in David’s life! As this Psalm proceeds, he is able to write (pray), “From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him (God)” [v.23] Then we read the oft quoted Psalm 23 v4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”

As this world becomes more than ever “a valley of the shadow of death” and full of godlessness in the eyes of God – may we be ever more conscious of how ”the LORD rewards”.