He Hath Not Given Me Over Unto Death

1 Samuel 29:1–31:13; John 11:55–12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26

He Hath Not Given Me Over Unto Death
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. – Psalm 118:17-18

But David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; and had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. – 1 Samuel 30:1-6

The Philistines were going to battle with the Israelites, and David and his men marched with them, but before the war began, they were sent away because the commanders were afraid that once they got into battle, David would turn against them. So, David and his men went back to Ziklag, only to find that the Amalekites had burned their town and taken everything and everyone captive. David’s wives were taken captive, and they all wept until they couldn’t weep any more. Then David asked the Lord if he should pursue them, and the Lord said, “Pursue.” David and a portion of his men went and just as God said they would, they recovered all.

Saul Took a Sword, and Fell Upon It
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together. – 1 Samuel 31:4-6

While David was recovering all the Amalekites had taken, the Philistine’s battle began, and they crushed Israel. Saul’s sons (including Jonathan) were killed, Saul and his armourbearer had killed themselves, and the Israelite army fled.

Not For Jesus’ Sake Only
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. – John 12:9-11

The Jews came to see Jesus, but also Lazarus since he had been raised from the dead. Because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus. Their belief in Jesus infuriated the chief priests to the point they wanted to kill not just Jesus but also Lazarus.

As in those days, when we believe and follow Jesus, there will be those people that will come against us to the point of wanting to destroy us. Looking from a distance, these are the people you would think would be happy and supportive, but looking closer, they are threatened by what the Lord has done for you! Your passion and praise shake up their world.

Heavenly Father, help us to support those You save and then place among us genuinely. Help us to be an encouragement and a support as they grow and as You use them. Help us to build them up as others have built us up so that they too can build others up. Show us the areas we need to surrender to You. In Jesus Name. Amen!!!

The House of the Proud
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. – Proverbs 15:26