Running Away? Series

Please open your bibles to 1 Samuel 20….. read with me v30-33…..

Because of his ego and wickedness, King Saul decided to kill David even though David was a hero of Israel. All of Israel's armies were after David!

David’s life was in danger! David was a “man on the run”! We noted last week from the beginning of 1 Samuel 21, because he was on the run, David got hungry and was living in fear which led him to lie and sin!

We too can be lead to sin with our appetites and fears. We noted last week that Jesus Christ gives us a solution!

David was a man on the run.

Are there people on the run today? Many of course are running away from God. Even Christians can be running away again from God; and Christians can be running away from their responsibilities.

Running away from God or other responsibilities is a sin which leads to more sins!

And of course, sins will negatively impact our lives, both personally and those around us.

Do you remember what we noted last week that David lied to Ahimelech the priest; what do you think happened to Ahimelech? Look briefly at 1 Samuel 22:17-19…..

Sinful Saul took advantage of David’s sins. Sinful men will take advantage of our own sins!

What was the solution for the man on the run David? What’s the solution for people on the run today?

Read along with me now our passage for today, 1 Samuel 21:10 – 22:5….

v21:1, 10: David was a man “on the run”! After leaving Saul and Jonathan, David fled to Nob, as he was in need of food and weapon; now to Gath in v10. But what did David run into at Gath? Look again at v11-12…..

Let me ask you this question: Was there an actual direct threat to David??

David feared the words, but not an actual threat!!

v21:11-12: Because he was a man on the run, David became agoraphobic! (fear of situations which might cause suffering)

Because he was a man on the run, he became anxious, which led him to lie again.

v21:13-15: David sinned by acting crazy to save himself from a perceived danger!

And then what do we note in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel?

v22:1a: Man on the run David hides in a cave!

But what interesting happened at the second half of v1??

v22:1b: David’s family came to his aid! We know this because of v2.

And not only his family came by his side,

v22:2: 400 of David’s friends came to his side!

Now look again at v22:3: There are 2 important things that David did!

1. asked for help for his family

2. consulted with God!

And what do we note in v22:5? God answered David’s prayer through a prophet!

As we continue to study 1 Samuel in the future, we will note David’s dependence on the Lord more and more. Instead of running away, David found the confidence in life to run closer to God. Again, Psalm 23 is one of the results of David’s transition in life to trust God. Recite it with me:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Let us again note that David found himself running away and life became difficult but he found the solution to his life. How did David find that solution for his running away in life?

1. Help from his family and friends.

2. Seeking counsel from God.

3. Doing what God said!

What about us today? Whether you are a Believer of Christ or not, we must ask ourselves, is it possible that I am running away from God?

Let us follow the example of David! Receive help from family and friends. Seek God’s counsel and do what God says in His Word!