In The Cave

1 Samuel 24 In the Cave:

God said to Adam “Adam I want you to do something for me”

Adam replied, "Gladly, Lord, what do You want me to do?"

"I want you to go down into that valley, across the river, and over to the hill. On the other side of the hill you will find a cave. In the cave you will find a woman." "What's a woman, Lord?'

God told him, and said, "And I want you to reproduce." "Reproduce, Lord?" God explained it to him, and Adam rushed forth into the valley, across the river, over the hill, into the cave, and found the woman. But in about five minutes, he was back, looking puzzled.

God sighed. "What is it now, Adam?" And Adam said, "What's a headache?"

I wonder how many of us physically or figuratively speaking, have been in or are at present in a cave? A cave a dark recess often damp and smelly however sometimes used to hide or shelter in. Here we have David physically hiding, taking refuge from King Saul who was out to kill him. Why was Saul after his blood? What heinous crime had he committed towards Saul that demanded such drastic action? The answer is simple…. Nothing! If fact in human terms David should have been elevated onto a pedestal not confined to a dark dismal smelly cave, even more so after Saul used it as a urinal! Hadn’t he previously not only killed Goliath but many more of Saul’s enemies! He had also on many occasions smoothed Saul’s troubled mind by his music ministry! The problem was one that still exists today in governments, workplaces and even in some churches. Jealousy, power struggles and feeling threatened by others abilities! It was not uncommon in those ancient days for kings or heads of state to eliminate any potential threat to their leadership!

As I looked into this dark cave a number of issues came to light that I believe we might need to address. When we are in despair, depression or anxious we can often withdraw to our emotional cave, seeking shelter from the big wide world and those around us. How many do we know within our own fellowship who appeared super spiritual but when trials and tribulation came they chose to distance themselves. I know I’ve been there! Too often they say things like, “give me space” or “I can work things out without your help! Yet this is the very time they need to be closer to God and draw support from the fellowship, not remove themselves from the scene.

Some may seek advice or counselling from within or outside the church. This can be a good positive reaction but there are dangers. We must always check any advice against God’s will and purpose for our lives. It must always be in line with His teaching and guidance. For those of us to whom people might seek advice from, make sure we are in tune with God and use his wisdom not our own when offering advice! Pay attention to v4 of our reading “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish” even though there is no previous record of any such divine revelation alluded to by David’s men. What did they base this statement on? Maybe their own interpretation of another revelation or by David’s own assurances that he would succeed Saul as king. Some may have considered this statement as divine authority to kill Saul. But David for all his faults was in tune with God, the bible tells us he had a heart for God, he knew killing Saul the appointed and anointed leader was wrong in God’s sight.

In my last sermon I mentioned how I struggle with some the scriptures for example in Romans 13 it tells us to submit to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established etc. Although Saul was not a good leader, David knew and understood this, killing Saul would go against God’s plans.

Not only was David a man who knew God’s heart, and a mighty warrior, he was also a gifted musician and composer. The vast majority of the Psalms were written by him. I want to read his psalm 142 to you, don’t panic it’s only 7 verses long….. a maskil Hebrew word indicating the psalm contains instruction in godliness ……. Can you not feel his emotions, although obviously depressed, fearful, desperate in fear of his life, he cries out to the Lord, he knows that God is his refuge his only hope.

What cave or prison are we in? Are we depressed? Fearful, desperate. Have we been unfairly treated, even abused. Maybe those with authority over us have exceeded their authority. You may be at the point of wanting to seek revenge in all it’s forms. I know it’s not easy letting go or trusting God to be judge and jury.