Devotional: No triumph for the wicked

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY MARCH 02, 2021

NO TRIUMPH FOR THE WICKED

KEY VERSE:
”Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” – (2 Samuel 1:20)

There are tragedies we must not allow to happen. This is why we must be on our guard at all times, lest the devil take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11). The death of King Saul and his sons – especially Jonathan – was an avoidable disaster in Israel. Had Saul maintained his earlier good relationship with God and retained the likes of David in his army, he would not have plunged himself and Israel into the calamity they eventually experienced.

David knew the extent of damage the defeat of Israel by the Philistines and the death of Saul had caused the nation. He lamented: “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!” (2 Samuel 1:25). The tragedy of Israel’s defeat was a distressing news for him seeing the outcome of that battle might have been different had he been involved. But God kept David away so that rebellious King Saul and his household would be removed from His sight.

Nobody has ever hardened himself against God and prospered (Job 9:4). King Saul made intentional and embarrassing blunders a number of times against divine instructions and did not seek restoration of relationship with God through humility, repentance and total return to Him. He wished off all faults of his, even when they were clearly pointed out to him.

We must not harden our hearts against God and His will or run after the treasures of this life while neglecting the Giver of all privileges. The consequences are grave.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
No gain in ignoring God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Leviticus 12-14

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