Hope in God's Timing

 DAVID HOPE IN GOD'S TIMING

Read 1 Samuel 24.1-22

Be honest. When you were younger, did you ever sneak a peek at one of your presents before Christmas morning as it sat under the Christmas tree? Even if you didn't, you were likely tempted. We've all been there. Even though we know Christmas is coming, the wait can feel like it's just too much!

In today's passage, David is also in a time of waiting. Rather than waiting to open presents on Christmas Day, however, David is waiting to be made king over the nation of Israel. Yet David's story teaches us to trust God and place our hope in His timing, because He is always faithful to fulfill His promises.

Meet David

Earlier in David's life, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David as a new king over Israel after the current king, Saul, disobeyed God (1 Samuel 16.13). David received the promise that he would one day be king, but the fulfillment of this promise was still yet to come.

After his anointing, David spent years serving King Saul (1 Samuel 16.14-23), and he even volunteered to fight a giant on his behalf (1 Samuel 17). The people of Israel praised David for his good character and bravery, and this praise led Saul to eventually become very jealous (1 Samuel 18.5-9). He decided he wanted David dead, but David heard of Saul's plans to kill him and ran away.

By the time we reach 1 Samuel 24, David has been on the run from Saul, hiding in caves, for years. One day, Saul happens to wander into the same cave as David, heading to a corner to relieve himself. At last, Saul is vulnerable. David has a chance to kill the king and claim the throne for himself, right then and there. But will he take advantage of this opportunity?

David wisely decides not to kill Saul. Instead, he simply cuts off a corner of Saul's cloak and hides again. When Saul leaves the cave, David reveals himself and tells Saul what he has done. Saul is astonished and proclaims that David is more righteous than himself and that he will surely be king.

David is only able to do the righteous thing and spare Saul's life because he trusts in God's promises. God promised that David will be king, and David is not going to take matters into his own hands simply out of convenience. He will wait on the Lord. He says to Saul, "May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you" (1 Samuel 24.12). David trusts in God's providence and timing, knowing that He will be faithful to come through on His promises.

David and Advent

Eventually, God does come through on His promise: David is made king of Israel and rules the nation for the rest of his life. More than that, though, God's promise to David extends to his whole lineage, for from David's family would eventually come Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is the true King-not just of Israel but of the whole world. All humanity, like David, was given a promise: that God would send a Redeemer to save us from our sins.

The world waited anxiously for thousands of years, and at last, Jesus, was born. Now, those who trust Him have been given another promise, that He will return one day and complete the work He began on earth. He will remove all grief and pain and establish His kingdom of peace, love, and joy once and for all.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Wherever you are today and whatever you may be going through, there are surely things you are waiting for. Whether it's waiting for a hard season to pass or for an exciting season to begin, like David, you can trust that God will work in your situation. You do not need to take matters into your own hands. God is always faithful, and He cares for you just as He cared for David.

Ultimately, even as you wait and hope for earthly things, God has given you hope in eternity-a hope that Jesus will one day return and set all things right. Therefore, Advent not only turns our attention to the past, God's faithfulness in sending Jesus as a baby-but also points us to the future: God's promise to restore His good creation once and for all. We can hope in that future because God has already proven Himself to be good. He will surely keep His promises.

Application Questions.

What must David have believed about God to cause him to spare Saul's life?

What desires in your life can you surrender to God and His timing?

Pray and ask God to guide you as you wait for His perfect timing.