Providence
I Samuel 24-25
July 9, 2000

            How often has the intention of our hearts been to engage in some sin or to follow some impulsive desire, when the Lord intervened?  How often have we faced a need when, seemingly out of the blue, the need has been met?  How often have we faced a situation when just at the right time the right person comes along to give counsel or aid?  Is this chance?  Luck?  With chance there is no true order or symmetry to the universe.  It is like a giant clock, wound tight, then let loose.  Or like a top spinning that no one knows where it will land.  With luck there are certain people whom fate, whatever that might be, has put into its web of favor; everyone else is left out.

            But Genesis 1:1 changes the whole perspective so that we describe what happened in terms of "providence:" the most holy, wise and powerful acts of the Lord by which He provides for and governs His creation (Keach's catechism).

(1)   Providence exceeds our full comprehension.

(2)   Providence assuredly and ultimately demonstrates God's holiness and wisdom. 

(3)   Providence is an assurance of God's hand at work for the believer's best interests and God's glory (Romans 8:28).

How did a boy shepherd go from obscurity to King of Israel and forerunner of Messiah?  God's providence.

 

I. Considerations Regarding David

1.      He had to get to his throne in one piece.

2.      He had to be matured for his responsibility.

3.      After suffering through Saul, he had to be a man of highest integrity.

4.      He had to learn that he served only under the pleasure of the one King and Sovereign.

5.      He had to learn that God did not need David's help.

 

II. Irony and a Test

1.      Among the many caves, Saul chose the one where David was located, 24L1-7:

(a)    Demonstrates God's working.

(b)   Illustrates God's deliverance for David.

(c)    Anticipates David's future kingship.

(d)   Elevates integrity above brute force.

Psalm 5:7 The Lord is my refuge from destruction, deliverer from traps, and focus of praise.

2.      Grab God's will or receive God's will v. 4

(a)    David knew he would be king.

(b)   All counsel pointed to seizing kingship.

(c)    The will of God is never seized, always received. 

3.      Integrity prevails vv. 5-7

(a)    This was a severe test for David.

(b)   Kept in mind the centrality of Yahweh v. 6 "because of the Lord."

(c)    Understood that Yahweh deals with his anointed as He pleases.

(d)   Major job to convince his men v. 7.

Yahweh matures his man, helps him understand the Lord's rule.

 

            Vengeance is the Lord's vv. 8-22

(a)    An appeal to the Lord v. 12.

(b)   An unexpected affirmation vv. 17-22.

 

III. A Test and Providence 25:1

            Stage set in narrative.

1.      David rebuffed 9-13, note vv. 9-11.

2.      Engage emotions, shut down brain.  Who does he resemble?  Vv. 12-13 (Saul!) Taking vengeance in his own hands.

3.      Providence can involve people.

(a)    The unnamed servant as a hero 14-17.

(b)   Wise acting Abigail.

4.      Providence involves instruction

-         ample provisions v. 18

-         David stews vv. 21-22

-         Abigail assumes the guilt vv. 23-25

-         Lessons offered v. 26

-         The Lord restrained him v. 26

-         Self-avenging like Saul v. 26

-         Consider your "house" v. 28

-         Is this the Lord's battle (will) for you? V. 28

-         Integrity v. 28

-         God as protector/provider v. 29

-         Righteous reputation v. 3-31

5.      Recognizing providence 32-35

This may be one of our hardest tasks!

(a)    Recognize the source v. 32

(b)   Acknowledge the instrument v. 33

(c)    Change of course v. 34-35

(d)   Vengeance is the Lord's vv. 36-38... "the Lord struck Nabal"

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