Running Together

1 Samuel 22:20-23

Verse 20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.

When we left the scene of the priests being slaughtered we mentioned that God was still in control and we see in the first words of our reading for today that He indeed was and had a plan that would continue to show God’s favor on David.

Abiathar escaping is a perfect example of God working out details to further His plan. While his entire family was being slaughtered he looked for a way out and took it when he saw it and the Lord, who is always gracious, kept Doeg from seeing him and pursuing him to kill him. This lone priest knew that the only safe place to go was where David was. He had just witnessed what was becoming of the reign of King Saul and it was not going to be good for God’s people.

Abiathar had just witnessed his entire family be murdered all because they had helped David. The king saw these men of God as a threat and wanted the perceived threat removed. What Saul really proved was that he was rejecting God. Abiathar knew that David wouldn’t abandon God and that is why he knew he would be safe if he found the young warrior.

As the priest told David the story of what had happened it must have broken both men’s hearts to see this attack against God’s chosen servants. David may have regretted going to Nob to ask for help knowing that is what caused Saul to be angry with the priestly family and yet, he had no reason to feel guilty because neither he nor the priests had done anything wrong, it was all about Saul’s departure from God and His ways.

Even though he wasn’t responsible for the death of the priests, David takes responsibility for their death and as a way of righting the situation, the future king brings Abiathar on as one of his own. With around 400 men in his service it was only right to have a priest on board of their mission as well and who would be better for that position than a priest who knew the depth of Saul’s hate of David. What David is really telling the priest is that they are in it together. We know from our own experiences how important it is to have someone who understands our situation, go through it with us.

Making It Personal

When have you gone through something and was thankful to have someone who understood go through it with you? What did it mean to you that they were there for you? Have you ever been there for someone in their time of need?

Making It Personal Kids

When you are having a hard time do you want a friend to be with you? How does having a friend help in the hard times? Are you there with your friends when they are having a hard time?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for sending us just the person we need in those hard moments of life. And thank You for working out every little detain in our lives to make sure we have support when we need it. Give us eyes to see when a friend needs us. In Jesus’ name, amen.