1 Samuel 22: Jealousy

It amazes me how paranoid Saul has become. He has gone from the man who literally hid among baggage to avoid being recognized as king in chapter ten to someone who is holding onto his kingship so tightly that he sees conspiracy all around him. He is seeing David’s successes as a threat and enough of a threat that he commands a town of priests to be slaughtered for feeding and arming him.

While this is an extreme story, it does lead me to this question: where is our security? Is it in God or our status? Do we see other people’s successes as threats? Do we rely on God enough when it seems our “success” is on the decline and that he has our best in mind? In a tough economy where people are scrambling to keep jobs, others' successes can seem threatening. When other families are having a good season together and your family is struggling physically, emotionally, or financially, do you rejoice for them or become jealous? If someone else receives a compliment do you need to hear one too?

Imagine how different this period in history would have been for Israel if Saul had been open handed with his title of king and gracefully transitioned the power to David. Imagine how strong our communities, families, work places and churches would be if we could learn to fully rejoice in each other’s blessings.

Posted by Danny