1 Samuel 22:6-23 – Messiah: the Better King
As we look at the world today we see barbarity, brutality, savagery, and terror, we see the fruit of our kingship and self-rule – destruction. Adam and Eve tried to take the crown from God’s head and put it on their own; the result is death and destruction. But it is not so when we look to God’s better king, who takes responsibility and offers protection with himself. Jesus Christ is the true and better David, and a better king than we are.
He is a better king because he takes responsibility. He took responsibility and entered this world of barbarity, brutality, and terror; he experienced its barbarity, brutality, and terror, and he overcame it to rescue us from death and destruction. He is a better king because he takes responsibility, and he rescues.
He is a better king because he gives protection. With him is safety and security. Note verse 23 – safekeeping is with him. Where he is, Heaven, is the safest place. Think about it: those who are his, who die as victims of this world’s barbarity and terror, are actually safest. They are conquerors with him; safe with him. Also, our children who are miscarried, painful though it is for us, are taken straight to safety with him, spared a lifetime of trouble and terror in this world. We need to hold fast to the truth that “to depart and be with Christ is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
So, in this world of barbarity, brutality, savagery, and terror, there is only one place of safety, only one place to go – to God’s King, Jesus Christ. Is that where you are? Are you looking to him and trusting in him alone, like Abiathar? In his service and at his disposal, like Abiathar? Is he the one you tell of this world’s troubles and of your personal pain (verse 21)? Is he the one you look to for hope? The terrors and troubles of this world are meant to drive us to him.
Questions
- How does David foreshadow Jesus in this chapter?
Prayer Points
- Thank God that we are “in Christ” and are ultimately untouchable by the trouble of this world, as he is in Heaven.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.