Day4
1Samuel 27
Week 44
“David and his men went up and invaded the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. For they were inhabitants of the land from of old, as you come to Shur, even to the land of Egypt. So David would strike the land and would not leave either man or woman alive. And he would take the sheep, the cattle, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments. And then he came back to Achish. Then Achish would say, “Where have you made a raid today?” And David would say, “Against the Negev of Judah,” or “Against the Negev of the Jerahmeelites,” or “Against the Negev of the Kenites.””
1 Samuel 27:8-10 MEV
Cross references
Joshua 13:2;
1 Samuel 15:7-8;
1 Samuel 15:3;
Judges 1:16;
1 Chronicles 2:9
Influence
The actions of David in these verses can be quite shocking and a bit disturbing. Our beloved David?
It is helpful to look at this account through the lens of Jesus. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:16 to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.
A serpent is described in Genesis to be more cunning than every other creation. Cunning is skill in achieving one’s end by deception.
David was using his cunning abilities to carry out the commands that God had given to possess the promised land.
Children are influenced by the behavior of those they are exposed to whether person, tv, music, or the culture around them.
We are God’s children. He doesn’t want us influenced by sin, but by every word from His mouth.
Jesus continues in Matthew 10:17 …beware of men whose nature is to act in opposition to God. And 1 Peter 5:8 says, “ be sober, (alert, clear headed)watchful because the enemy is sneaking around like a roaring lion, seeking anyone who he can devour.” He devours by influence. It is a subtle, cunning tactic that we usually don’t see coming.
Jesus also said, “…be harmless as a dove.”
Who are you influencing?
Who or what are you allowing to influence you?
Action Step
Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear.
Be careful little mouth what you say.
Keep your heart with all diligence!
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