May 20- May He Rescue Me From All My Troubles

May 20, 2011

Scripture Readings:
I Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-54;
Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23

The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while other are adding up their troubles. ~Anonymous

I Samuel 26:1-28:25

This is a study in contrasts.  Today, we have one man who is the king of Israel and we have another man who will be the king of Israel.  Both are anointed by God, but the difference in their relationship with God is stark.  David is a man who knows that God rescues him from all of his troubles.  Saul is not. Here are some of the contrasts:

• Saul disobeys God's orders.  David obeys.
• Saul is prideful.  David is humble.
• Saul wants to kill his enemies.  David blesses his enemies, if they are anointed by God.
• Saul dishonors his family members.  David honors his family members and honors Saul's family members.
• Saul seeks revenge.  David seeks forgiveness.
• Saul consults mediums in the face of silence from God.  David seeks God, alone.
• Saul fears death.  David does not fear death.
• Saul faints at trials or rages at trials.  David accepts trials and waits for God's deliverance.

David is being forced to live amongst the Philistines.  He is protecting a king named Achish in order to avoid being killed by Saul and avoid being killed by the Philistines.  David is relying on God, but also using his brains and brawn to survive his trials.  Saul is not relying on God.  He is lashing out in anger and rashly pursuing a fatal course. These men are a study in contrasts.  They are like black and white keys on a piano. Which person are you most like when trials come your way? 

John 11:1-54

Mary and Martha have a brother named Lazarus.  Jesus has been talking a lot lately about giving his sheep eternal life.  Today, Jesus proves that he alone has authority over death.  Lazarus is very sick unto death.  Although Jesus is aware of this, he waits until Lazarus has died to go to their home.  When Martha comes to greet Jesus she discusses that Lazarus will rise on resurrection day in the future. Jesus takes this opportunity to say, "I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, though they have died, will live again."  He states that they are given eternal life for believing in him and they will never perish.  Martha confirms that she has always believed that he was the Messiah.

Mary comes and falls at Jesus' feet and says that if he had come earlier, Lazarus would not have died.  Jesus becomes troubled at everyone's deep wailing in sorrow.  Jesus weeps.  People notice his crying and wonder why he did not heal Lazarus since he was able to heal the blind man.  Jesus asks them to roll the stone away from the burial cave entrance.  Jesus thanks God that he always hears Jesus' prayers and then he shouts, "Lazarus, come out!"  At this command, Lazarus walks out of the tomb in his grave clothes.

Jesus rescued Lazarus, Mary and Martha from all of their troubles. Jesus does this with a compassionate heart that weeps at suffering and death. Have you taken your troubles to God?  He can rescue you, even from eternal death.

We see Jesus being plotted against by the High Priest, just like David was plotted against by Saul.  Jesus has to go into the wilderness outside of Jerusalem, just like David fled to the wilderness, in order to get away from those who would kill him.  The High Priest in his evil ways, is being used by God to bring about the death of one man for the whole nation and the whole world.

Psalm 117:1-2

God loves all the nations with unfailing love.  Jesus' actions in our reading today show this clearly.

Proverbs 15:22-23

Many counselors can be a good thing.  The best thing is to say the right thing at the right time. : )

What did you learn today?  I would love to hear from you.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011