The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Samuel 17:28,
"When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.'"
This exchange took place when David brought supplies to his brothers and their commander as Israel fought the Philistines. David arrived to see the Philistine from Gath, Goliath, threaten the Israeli army. It appears that David was astonished to see Goliath bully Israel's troops and hearing there was a reward for the man that would kill Goliath, he asked his brothers and others about it.
Although David was only carrying out his father's wishes and it is evident that the Lord had arranged the whole matter, Eliab, David's brother completely misunderstood what David was about and why he was asking about the reward. Eliab ridiculed him, supposing he had come just to watch the battle. In his anger Eliab completely misunderstood David.
I am reminded of all the times I have misread events and things people have said around me - only later to discover that misinterpretation. I think it happens frequently as an expression of the sinful nature that dwells within. Often folks are predisposed to anger, hostility, jealousy and the like. As such, others are often mistaken for the worse. The shy and withdrawn are assumed to be arrogant and aloof. Altruistic efforts are seen as exploitative with hidden motives, even parents who attempt to train their children to be careful in a hostile world are often viewed as mean and over-controlling by their children. You get the drift.
Left to ourselves, it is a wonder that we are not continually at each others throats. Although this is not the case, nevertheless, it appears to me that misunderstandings are frequent. Because of this I am so grateful to the Lord for the things he provides us as we mature spiritually. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
"When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.'"
This exchange took place when David brought supplies to his brothers and their commander as Israel fought the Philistines. David arrived to see the Philistine from Gath, Goliath, threaten the Israeli army. It appears that David was astonished to see Goliath bully Israel's troops and hearing there was a reward for the man that would kill Goliath, he asked his brothers and others about it.
Although David was only carrying out his father's wishes and it is evident that the Lord had arranged the whole matter, Eliab, David's brother completely misunderstood what David was about and why he was asking about the reward. Eliab ridiculed him, supposing he had come just to watch the battle. In his anger Eliab completely misunderstood David.
I am reminded of all the times I have misread events and things people have said around me - only later to discover that misinterpretation. I think it happens frequently as an expression of the sinful nature that dwells within. Often folks are predisposed to anger, hostility, jealousy and the like. As such, others are often mistaken for the worse. The shy and withdrawn are assumed to be arrogant and aloof. Altruistic efforts are seen as exploitative with hidden motives, even parents who attempt to train their children to be careful in a hostile world are often viewed as mean and over-controlling by their children. You get the drift.
Left to ourselves, it is a wonder that we are not continually at each others throats. Although this is not the case, nevertheless, it appears to me that misunderstandings are frequent. Because of this I am so grateful to the Lord for the things he provides us as we mature spiritually. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Where folks have matured spiritually, the opportunity for misunderstanding one another recedes greatly. How wonderful the gifts of spiritual maturity the Lord provides!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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