1 Samuel 15:10-23
1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.
While we are studying David, it is important for us to take some moments to talk again about King Saul as he plays such a vital role in David’s life. God works in the details and so we need to understand things about how God was working in Saul’s life so we can understand how He was working in King David’s life.
Before David was anointed as the new king, God had to show His prophet Samuel that Saul was being rejected. Saul had not been obedient to the Lord and God wasn’t going to stand for His people being ruled by someone that didn’t follow His commands. We know that David wasn’t perfect all the time but the difference between their sins were the hearts they had afterwards. When Saul was confronted with his sin, he made excuses even going so far as to say that he sinned so that he could offer spoils from his sin as a gift to God. God wasn’t pleased with this so called sacrifice. On the other hand, David repented.
So after being rejected by God an evil spirit comes and makes himself at home in the reigning king. Although the verse says that the evil spirit came from the Lord, it doesn’t mean that God is going around handing out evil spirits. Notice that before coming to house the evil spirit, the Spirit of the Lord had to leave him. We know that after Pentecost the Spirit of God doesn’t come and go like He did in the Old Testament times.
This evil spirit was allowed by God to torment this man as a source of judgment due to Saul’s disobedience. But even in allowing this spirit that caused the king to have bouts of depression, anger and even delusions, God was opening the door for His chosen replacement to be acclimated to royal living. David would also see an example of what God’s judgment on an unrepentant heart.
While we don’t need to be concerned with God’s Spirit being removed from us and an evil spirit being allowed in, we would do well to understand that God’s judgment is real and that He doesn’t overlook sin in our lives just because we are His children. The day will come when He confronts us about certain choices we have made.
Making It Personal
Have you ever felt God’s judgment on your life? Why is it important to know that God is displeased with something in your life? What is your first response when He corrects you?
Making It Personal Kids
Why is it important that you know what makes Jesus unhappy? Do you ever do anything which would make Jesus sad? How can you learn more about what makes Jesus happy?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your grace and the continuing indwelling of Your Holy Spirit to guide us through the moments of life. Give us hearts that are sensitive to Your Spirit so we will readily follow His leading. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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