April 29, 2017: SOAP #2704: 2Samuel 4,5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

Scripture:  2Samuel (NIV) 5:22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David enquired of the LORD, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle round behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.  24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”  25 So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Observation:   A few verses before this passage, God had given David victory over the same Philistines.  But now they are going to meet in a battle again.  David does not rush ahead, thinking I know how to do this.  David does not say, “We did it before; we can do it again.”  David does not presume that he will win this battle, so he inquires of the Lord.   It is God’s people David will be leading into battle and he needs God’s permission and directions.

God gives David orders, but this time it is different.  They are to approach from a different direction and wait for the right timing.  David listened to the Lord and then did what the Lord commanded.

Application:  I must stop to listen to God.  He may give me the direction and timing to insure I come out victorious too.  God likes to program me for victory!  If I let Him, He will set me up to win!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, you are the Great General to whom I submit and obey.  Show me your direction and timing. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!