WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.320 The scene that we have here at the end of chapter 21 and the beginning of chapter 22 in 1 Samuel. 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:09.240 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:42.960 And then the beginning of chapter 22 we find David in a cave and he's now surrounded by a group of debtors, discontented and distressed people along with members of his family. 00:00:42.960 --> 00:00:47.939 But how do we know that these portions of scripture are particularly significant? 00:00:47.939 --> 00:01:00.699 All scripture we know is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for all good purposes. 00:01:01.619 --> 00:01:03.959 So it's always the whole Bible is accurate. 00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:05.979 The whole Bible is there for our benefit. 00:01:05.979 --> 00:01:14.700 But as I mentioned before, David in the cave is the source of two of his Psalms, Psalm 57 and Psalm 142. 00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:22.340 And the madness of David at the end of chapter 21 is the scene from which Psalm 34 is written. 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:27.579 So we have a significant scene or two scenes in David's life. 00:01:28.520 --> 00:01:35.439 And I'd like to begin, first of all, by making just a few observations, a few practical observations. 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:41.480 Observation number one is it's not good to be alone in the Christian life. 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:44.340 Now you might say, well, where does that come from? 00:01:44.700 --> 00:01:49.320 Well, the contrast between chapter 21 and chapter 22 is quite significant. 00:01:50.079 --> 00:01:57.040 In chapter 21, at the beginning of the chapter, we read, David went to Nob, to Ahimelech, the priest. 00:01:57.659 --> 00:02:01.800 Ahimelech trembled when he met him and asked, why are you alone? 00:02:02.300 --> 00:02:04.320 Why is no one with you? 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:07.079 David is particularly isolated. 00:02:07.659 --> 00:02:09.300 David is particularly vulnerable. 00:02:09.300 --> 00:02:19.860 He's on the run from Saul and he soon finds himself in the hands of one of the great enemies of the people of God. 00:02:19.860 --> 00:02:25.240 So being alone in the Christian life is never a good idea. 00:02:25.980 --> 00:02:27.360 We are meant for community. 00:02:27.580 --> 00:02:28.600 We are meant for fellowship. 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:30.120 We are meant to be together. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:32.100 And we need to be together. 00:02:32.260 --> 00:02:33.300 We need one another. 00:02:33.300 --> 00:02:37.140 The contrast with chapter 22 is quite remarkable. 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:40.280 Because we're told that David went to the cave. 00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:41.960 He went to the cave of Adullam. 00:02:42.420 --> 00:02:44.180 Members of the family came. 00:02:44.320 --> 00:02:46.960 The distressed, the discontented, the debtors came. 00:02:47.420 --> 00:02:53.720 So by the end of this scene, instead of David being on his own, David is with 400 people. 00:02:54.700 --> 00:02:55.840 He's still vulnerable. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:57.700 He's still at risk. 00:02:57.920 --> 00:02:59.140 But he's not alone. 00:02:59.139 --> 00:03:12.779 Throughout the Bible, and particularly we see in the New Testament, we have these commands that can only be fulfilled when we are working, living, serving, worshiping together. 00:03:13.639 --> 00:03:16.299 You know, they're characterized by one another. 00:03:17.099 --> 00:03:24.799 Over 100 times in the New Testament, these commands are given for our benefit, our mutual benefit, our edification. 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:32.700 The Apostle Paul, I think, is at least 59 of those commands, belongs to the Apostle Paul. 00:03:34.580 --> 00:03:38.560 14 of them with Jesus. 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:42.180 14 of the commands have to say that we are to love each other. 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:49.840 So even just looking at the letter to the Romans, we see Romans chapter 12, be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 00:03:50.540 --> 00:03:53.720 Later in chapter 12, honor one another above yourselves. 00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:57.359 Chapter 12, verse 16, live in harmony with one another. 00:03:57.919 --> 00:04:00.639 13, 8, Romans, love one another. 00:04:01.159 --> 00:04:04.560 Romans 14, 13, stop passing judgment on one another. 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:10.659 Romans 15, 7, accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you. 00:04:11.079 --> 00:04:13.780 And 15, 14, instruct one another. 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:17.680 Sometimes we are inevitably isolated. 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:23.540 Sometimes we are beyond our control on our own. 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:25.740 But it's never a good idea. 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:38.160 If we can avoid being isolated or on our own, that's why worshiping God together, that's why fellowship, whether it's small groups or whatever it is, we need each other. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:40.980 We need God, of course, but we need each other. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:43.480 So that's observation number one. 00:04:44.360 --> 00:04:50.879 Observation number two, and if you read the whole of chapter 22, you would see that this works in two different ways. 00:04:51.480 --> 00:04:56.340 Observation one, it's not good to be alone in the Christian life. 00:04:56.460 --> 00:05:00.879 Observation number two, birds of a feather flock together. 00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:08.379 If you're interested, you can read of the kind of company that Saul kept at the end of the chapter. 00:05:08.860 --> 00:05:12.980 You'll read of the kind of people that were attracted to his reign. 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:24.140 And as it is the case, the Scottish equivalent of birds of a feather, which I learned here, is if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows. 00:05:24.660 --> 00:05:30.620 So Saul had a certain personality type, and he tended to attract similar people. 00:05:31.080 --> 00:05:35.560 But more importantly, we see that David is an attractive character. 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:39.399 As I said, he was on his own at the beginning of the chapter. 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:41.579 And then who comes to join him? 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:46.600 His brothers, his father's household, so the family came. 00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:56.220 And then this unusual collection of people, the distressed, the debtors, and the discontented, all gathered around him. 00:05:56.980 --> 00:05:59.279 About 400 men were with him. 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:04.720 So these people saw some affiliation with David. 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:06.920 They saw some connection with David. 00:06:07.260 --> 00:06:09.780 They wanted to be in his company. 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:15.140 So there are two constituent groups here in the cave with David. 00:06:15.320 --> 00:06:17.340 There's family, and there's misfits. 00:06:17.980 --> 00:06:20.920 Which I think is a great description of the Christian church. 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:24.340 We are a family, and we are misfits. 00:06:25.020 --> 00:06:28.180 That's true of each one of us in one way or another. 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:33.860 And we are gathered together, magnetically attracted to a leader. 00:06:33.860 --> 00:06:36.680 In this case, the leader was David. 00:06:37.400 --> 00:06:46.480 But as we know, the leader, the author and the perfecter of our faith, the one who is genuinely magnetic, is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:46.900 --> 00:06:49.759 He draws people to himself. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:57.420 So it's said of a leader that a leader is only a leader in so far as people follow them. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.620 David is clearly a leader. 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:00.899 He's a general. 00:07:00.899 --> 00:07:01.939 He's a king. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:07.220 He has a personality that is suited for leadership, not perfect. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:09.920 But David attracts people. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:19.120 But notice that while we facetiously, I described the people of God as misfits and as family. 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:26.920 When he comes to write one of his psalms, Psalm 142, he describes it in slightly different terms. 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:30.640 At the end of Psalm 142, he puts it this way. 00:07:31.280 --> 00:07:34.620 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. 00:07:35.160 --> 00:07:40.900 Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:47.780 So not only do we need each other in fellowship and in friendship, mutual support, mutual encouragement. 00:07:47.779 --> 00:07:50.799 But there is something magnetic about Jesus. 00:07:51.159 --> 00:08:00.099 There's something magnetic about the gospel that not only misfits and family members, but that the righteous are drawn together. 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:07.919 And that's a sharp distinction we see in this chapter between those who surround David and those who surround Paul. 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:12.739 The righteous, those who fear God, and those who fear Saul. 00:08:12.740 --> 00:08:19.699 Now, Saul is quite a frightful character, and you could read more about what Saul was up to at the end of the chapter. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:23.360 But there's something magnetic about the righteous. 00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:25.720 I guess I would put it this way. 00:08:26.540 --> 00:08:28.199 Magnetism works two ways. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:31.980 Magnetism can attract, and magnetism can repel. 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:34.919 The Lord Jesus does two things. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:35.960 He does both. 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:43.360 When Jesus is lifted up, we're told in chapter 12 of John, now is the time for judgment on the world. 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:46.420 Now the prince of this world will be driven out. 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:52.960 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:58.360 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. 00:08:58.940 --> 00:09:01.340 So Jesus draws people together. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:03.360 All different kinds of people. 00:09:03.360 --> 00:09:07.960 But we're also told that the gospel is an offense. 00:09:08.560 --> 00:09:10.680 That the gospel repels people. 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:17.360 In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, we're told that to the Greek, the gospel was foolishness. 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:18.060 It was ridiculous. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:21.480 To the Jew, the gospel was a stumbling block. 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:26.899 So then and now, Jesus both attracts and repels. 00:09:27.300 --> 00:09:30.200 The gospel both attracts and repels. 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:34.620 The righteous are attracted and the unrighteous are repelled. 00:09:35.280 --> 00:09:37.680 So we are drawn to Jesus. 00:09:38.360 --> 00:09:39.100 We need him. 00:09:39.520 --> 00:09:40.440 We want him. 00:09:40.660 --> 00:09:41.600 We desire him. 00:09:42.020 --> 00:09:43.160 We hear his gospel. 00:09:43.640 --> 00:09:45.140 We respond to his gospel. 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:47.060 We want to be in his company. 00:09:47.540 --> 00:09:50.180 And we want to be in the company of his people. 00:09:50.179 --> 00:09:53.659 Even though we are quite an unusual group of people. 00:09:54.299 --> 00:10:01.759 The gospel, as we see in the New Testament, as in the Old, tends to attract the odd and the eccentric. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:09.500 In chapter 1 of 1 Corinthians, as I mentioned, brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:12.940 Not many of you were wise by human standards. 00:10:13.379 --> 00:10:14.519 Not many were influential. 00:10:15.179 --> 00:10:16.820 Not many were of noble birth. 00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:20.580 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. 00:10:21.059 --> 00:10:24.019 God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:28.000 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:31.720 The things that are not to nullify the things that are. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:34.440 So that no one may boast before God. 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:38.040 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus. 00:10:38.400 --> 00:10:41.480 Who has become for us wisdom from God. 00:10:41.940 --> 00:10:43.420 That is our righteousness. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.360 That same word. 00:10:45.760 --> 00:10:47.060 Holiness and redemption. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:53.800 Therefore, as it is written, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. 00:10:54.520 --> 00:10:56.080 So not many wise. 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:57.200 Not many noble. 00:10:57.700 --> 00:10:59.560 Not many significant. 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:03.479 He chooses weak and insignificant people. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:08.379 To demonstrate his powerful and wise plan. 00:11:09.339 --> 00:11:13.379 Those who were in distress or in debt or discontented. 00:11:13.959 --> 00:11:15.319 They had nowhere else to go. 00:11:15.439 --> 00:11:16.839 They had nowhere else to turn. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:18.359 And isn't that the case? 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:21.579 So often we find that there's nowhere else to go. 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:24.379 Jesus said, will you leave me as well? 00:11:24.859 --> 00:11:26.319 To whom else can we go? 00:11:26.819 --> 00:11:28.639 Who else has the word of life? 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:30.840 There's nowhere else to go but Jesus. 00:11:31.439 --> 00:11:33.139 We may have tried everything and anything. 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:36.080 But we come to that point where we need him. 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:38.759 And where we gather together in our weakness. 00:11:38.919 --> 00:11:39.840 Not in our strength. 00:11:40.279 --> 00:11:42.799 We gather together as those who have made foolish decisions. 00:11:42.939 --> 00:11:43.679 Not wise. 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:46.360 We gather together not because we are significant. 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.559 But because he is significant. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.819 I said there were three observations. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.500 The third observation, very simply. 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:55.319 Is when God says do something. 00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:57.679 It's always a good idea to do it. 00:11:57.679 --> 00:12:00.679 At the end of the passage that Stephen read. 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:03.299 But the prophet Gad said to David. 00:12:03.479 --> 00:12:04.319 God's spokesman. 00:12:04.939 --> 00:12:06.719 Do not stay in the stronghold. 00:12:07.199 --> 00:12:08.679 Go into the land of Judah. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:12.779 So David left and went to the forest of Hereth. 00:12:13.699 --> 00:12:15.500 As a general rule. 00:12:15.739 --> 00:12:17.159 That never fails. 00:12:17.859 --> 00:12:19.939 When God calls you to do something. 00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:22.259 You are never wrong for doing it. 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:24.699 When God tells you to avoid something. 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:27.440 You are never at a loss for avoiding it. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:29.600 So as followers of Jesus. 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:31.900 We express our love for Jesus. 00:12:32.140 --> 00:12:33.740 As we keep his commands. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:34.900 He says yes. 00:12:35.060 --> 00:12:35.780 We say yes. 00:12:35.940 --> 00:12:36.640 He says no. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.520 We say no. 00:12:38.300 --> 00:12:40.879 God spoke to David through Gad the prophet. 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:42.820 And he said it's time to go David. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:43.960 And David left. 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:47.620 Whenever we find ourselves in the will of God. 00:12:47.740 --> 00:12:49.280 We are safe and we are secure. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:53.120 Whenever we find ourselves saying God says what I think. 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:55.019 God says what I want. 00:12:55.439 --> 00:12:57.159 God says go but I'd like to stay. 00:12:57.459 --> 00:12:59.100 God says stay but I'd like to go. 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:01.779 That is never an equation. 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:04.500 That will bring happiness or satisfaction. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.500 So those are just a few. 00:13:07.059 --> 00:13:08.959 Simple observations from those. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:10.480 Those few verses. 00:13:10.959 --> 00:13:13.459 But can we turn for a moment to the psalm. 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:14.419 That I read earlier. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:15.539 Psalm 57. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:20.539 Because a lot of times when we are reading the narrative. 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.059 Or the story of the Bible. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:23.379 We wonder. 00:13:24.219 --> 00:13:25.620 What is David thinking? 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:29.059 What is going through the head of Joseph here? 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:32.500 What is going on in Solomon's mind? 00:13:32.980 --> 00:13:35.480 What are the characters that we are reading. 00:13:35.719 --> 00:13:37.120 Thinking or feeling. 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:40.039 But with this scene in the cave. 00:13:40.179 --> 00:13:41.980 We don't need to scratch our heads. 00:13:42.079 --> 00:13:43.259 We don't need to wonder. 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:47.139 David tells us exactly what is going on. 00:13:47.819 --> 00:13:49.559 And while we have practical lessons. 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:53.159 We have two key spiritual lessons here. 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:56.059 Captured for us in Psalm 57. 00:13:57.279 --> 00:13:58.720 The first lesson is. 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:00.000 I need help. 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.759 I need help. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:02.980 You need help. 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.319 We need help. 00:14:05.159 --> 00:14:06.319 David is in a cave. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.100 He goes from being on his own. 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:10.000 He's now in the company of 400. 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:12.139 His family is with him. 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:14.840 But how does he begin Psalm 57? 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:18.240 Have mercy on me my God. 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:20.059 Have mercy on me. 00:14:20.519 --> 00:14:22.860 For in you I take refuge. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:26.100 I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:29.419 Until the disaster has passed. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:32.100 David has found refuge. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:32.500 Yes. 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:33.379 In a cave. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:36.360 But David recognizes that his only security. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.840 His only safety. 00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:39.059 Is not a structure. 00:14:39.539 --> 00:14:40.700 But is God himself. 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:42.100 We need help. 00:14:42.100 --> 00:14:42.300 We need help. 00:14:42.660 --> 00:14:44.020 This world is difficult. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.220 This world is scary. 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.520 This world is uncertain. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.500 We need help. 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:51.379 I'm reminded by Louise McMillan. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:56.120 She was telling me that there were 366 occasions in the Bible. 00:14:56.360 --> 00:14:58.660 Where we are told do not fear. 00:14:58.820 --> 00:15:00.080 Or do not be afraid. 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:03.600 Well that says we live in a pretty frightening world. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:05.100 Once a day. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:07.399 For 365 days. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:09.940 And maybe twice on a particularly frightening day. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:12.860 We can go to a different verse in the Bible. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:15.639 And be reminded that we are not to fear. 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:19.620 We are not to fear because we have God with us. 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:21.139 We have God for us. 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.899 God is on our side. 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:28.860 I wonder whether we have that scene. 00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:33.299 Where Jesus is saying that he would long to gather people. 00:15:33.939 --> 00:15:38.340 As a bird would gather chicks under his wings. 00:15:38.699 --> 00:15:43.919 This idea of a bird who is protecting their young. 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:46.379 That's exactly what God does. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:50.179 He gathers people like a parent to protect. 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:51.279 We are vulnerable. 00:15:51.739 --> 00:15:52.259 We are weak. 00:15:52.579 --> 00:15:53.439 We are exposed. 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:54.839 We are in jeopardy. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:57.959 But he is gathering us so close. 00:15:58.199 --> 00:16:00.019 That we are in his shadow. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:02.919 This image of shadow means closeness. 00:16:03.599 --> 00:16:05.699 So in Psalm 23 when we speak about. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:08.779 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. 00:16:09.219 --> 00:16:12.659 It means that death is so close it casts its shadow on us. 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:15.500 And when we speak of God's shadow. 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:19.779 It means that he is so close that he casts his shadow on us. 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:22.059 And when we are going through life. 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:23.159 The trials. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.059 The tribulations. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:25.240 The uncertainties. 00:16:25.579 --> 00:16:26.319 The challenges. 00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:27.199 The difficulties. 00:16:27.819 --> 00:16:30.199 It's never a good idea to be far from God. 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:32.819 It's always a good idea to be close to God. 00:16:33.319 --> 00:16:37.699 And David is not taking his security based on a cave. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:42.699 David is finding his security based on his relationship with God. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:44.139 I need help. 00:16:44.839 --> 00:16:45.799 You need help. 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.159 We need help. 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:49.559 And God is that present help. 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:51.379 In our time of trouble. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:55.179 And notice that there's a dialogue here. 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:56.959 I cry out. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.959 To God most high. 00:16:59.439 --> 00:17:01.439 To God who vindicates me. 00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:04.519 He sends from heaven and saves me. 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:07.579 Rebuking those who hotly pursue me. 00:17:08.139 --> 00:17:10.159 God sends forth his love. 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:12.559 And his faithfulness. 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:14.440 So there's a dialogue here. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.240 David is crying out. 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:17.359 And God is answering. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:18.539 David is asking. 00:17:18.679 --> 00:17:19.679 And God is providing. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:22.779 David is vulnerable and at risk. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.299 Why? 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:25.839 Because King Saul is after him. 00:17:26.460 --> 00:17:27.399 He's vulnerable. 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:28.179 He's at risk. 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:28.579 Why? 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:30.099 Because the king of Gath. 00:17:30.299 --> 00:17:33.099 He found himself in the presence of the king of Gath. 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:35.179 So he's up against it. 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:36.900 But he says no. 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:39.100 I'm going straight to the top. 00:17:39.620 --> 00:17:41.560 I'm going to God most high. 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:44.039 The God who is most high cannot. 00:17:44.360 --> 00:17:46.160 There's nothing or no one higher. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.740 He is the strongest. 00:17:47.980 --> 00:17:48.980 He is the wisest. 00:17:49.360 --> 00:17:50.500 He has the most power. 00:17:50.640 --> 00:17:51.820 He has the most authority. 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:53.940 So in the Christian life. 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:56.880 Never settle for anything other than the top. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:01.000 I'm reminded of a scene many years ago. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:04.700 So my dad was a Buick driver. 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:06.640 When he bought a car. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.720 He would always buy a Buick. 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:12.099 Which he felt was a reliable car. 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:12.799 Nice. 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:13.339 Comfortable. 00:18:14.140 --> 00:18:15.759 But one year he bought a Buick. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:17.339 And it was just awful. 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:19.359 It never worked properly. 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.859 The engine wasn't right. 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:22.279 It made lots of sounds. 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:24.079 And he went back to the dealer. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.740 He went back to the dealer. 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:27.220 And he said. 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.480 I want my money back. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:30.420 This car is not what I want. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:33.279 It's not doing what you've told me it'll do. 00:18:33.920 --> 00:18:34.480 The dealer said. 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:34.860 I'm sorry. 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.180 I can't give your money back. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:37.320 I remember. 00:18:37.580 --> 00:18:38.920 We had a computer then. 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:40.019 I remember dad was sitting. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:40.920 Typing a letter. 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.200 I said. 00:18:41.620 --> 00:18:42.480 Who are you writing? 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:43.779 He said. 00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:46.480 I'm writing the chief executive officer of General Motors. 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.660 General Motors at the time. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.440 Was the largest corporation in the world. 00:18:51.080 --> 00:18:52.120 Dad wrote the CEO. 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:54.840 The dealership's not helping. 00:18:55.300 --> 00:18:56.500 Goes straight to the top. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.220 Writes to the CEO. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.680 Gets a check. 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:01.100 Gets a refund. 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:02.600 You're not happy with the car. 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.720 We'll give you a refund. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:05.100 Go right to the top. 00:19:05.620 --> 00:19:07.180 Don't settle for a middle man. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:09.320 Go straight to the God most high. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:12.259 That's the access that we have through Jesus. 00:19:12.560 --> 00:19:13.980 We go right to the top. 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:15.120 You see. 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:16.880 Saul's not the top of the pyramid. 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:19.000 King of Gath is not the top of the pyramid. 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:21.539 You add anyone you wish today. 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:22.960 Vladimir Putin. 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:23.920 Donald Trump. 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:24.759 Keir Starmer. 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:26.759 They're not the top of the pyramid. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:29.359 God most high is the top. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:33.480 Never settle for anything other than the top. 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:38.779 So David reminds us that I need help and that we need help. 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:41.460 And we take refuge in God. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:42.660 But secondly. 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.539 The second message here. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:49.180 And this you might think is not directly stated. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:50.660 But I think it is. 00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:52.980 Is that we not only need help. 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.980 But we need a helper. 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:57.340 We don't just need help. 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.500 That means we cry out. 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.580 And we get an answer. 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.860 Somebody's listening. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:01.720 Somebody cares. 00:20:02.100 --> 00:20:03.320 We have a place of security. 00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:06.880 But notice the language at verse 3 that I read. 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:10.140 God sends forth his love. 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:13.080 And his faithfulness. 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:16.220 This is echoed again in verse 9. 00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:18.579 I will praise you among the nations. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:21.120 I will sing of you among the peoples. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:24.200 For great is your love reaching to the heavens. 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:27.339 Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:29.860 Love and faithfulness. 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:35.240 These two key Old Testament words are often put together. 00:20:36.360 --> 00:20:36.799 Faith. 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.220 Faithfulness. 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:38.839 Fidelity. 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:40.779 God who keeps his word. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:42.579 God who never lets us down. 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:42.980 Love. 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.619 Love. 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:45.579 Sometimes described as grace. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:47.720 Or covenantal love. 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:50.659 The kind of love that never lets you go. 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:55.919 These two words are echoed in John chapter 1. 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:58.220 In John 1 we're told. 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:02.139 That in the beginning was the word. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.579 And the word was with God. 00:21:03.939 --> 00:21:05.339 And the word was God. 00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:07.159 He was with God in the beginning. 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:09.419 Chapter 1 verse 14. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:12.099 The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:13.819 We have seen his glory. 00:21:13.939 --> 00:21:15.579 The glory of the one and only. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:17.259 Who came from the father. 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:19.319 Full of grace and truth. 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:21.519 So God becomes human. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:25.179 And God is now characterized in these same two terms. 00:21:25.719 --> 00:21:26.579 Grace and truth. 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:28.359 Love and faithfulness. 00:21:29.439 --> 00:21:30.419 John continues. 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:31.879 Out of the fullness. 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:33.199 Out of his fullness. 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:34.599 We have all received grace. 00:21:34.699 --> 00:21:36.159 In place of grace already given. 00:21:36.659 --> 00:21:38.779 For the law was given through Moses. 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:42.960 Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:45.200 The law is good. 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:47.980 The law shows to us the right path. 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:50.539 The law shows to us the places of danger. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:52.960 The law shows to us the places of security. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:56.680 So the law was given through Moses for our good and for our benefit. 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:59.740 But grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:02.900 So David as he's crying out to God. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:05.920 And recognizing that God is a God of love. 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.480 And faithfulness. 00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:10.839 David is pointing us beyond himself. 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:13.799 David is pointing us to Jesus Christ. 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:16.299 And is saying not only do we need help. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:18.019 But we need a helper. 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:20.400 And in Jesus Christ. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.920 God has come down. 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.240 To help us. 00:22:23.660 --> 00:22:26.079 Not only is he in heaven to hear our cries. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.920 But he's come down to earth. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:30.200 He's come down to earth to live. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.900 He's lived this life. 00:22:32.300 --> 00:22:34.320 He knows exactly what we are going through. 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:35.620 He knows the trials. 00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:36.920 He knows the tribulations. 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:38.820 He knows the disappointments. 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.240 So we need help. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.779 And we need a helper. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:47.640 Just as David is a model of what leadership looks like. 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:51.000 A righteous leader attracts righteous people. 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:53.420 But David is an imperfect leader. 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:55.779 And as you read the David story. 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:58.079 We are reminded that like ourselves. 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.879 He gets it wrong. 00:23:00.399 --> 00:23:01.420 He knows what's right. 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.539 He does what's wrong. 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.859 He knows what's wrong. 00:23:03.920 --> 00:23:04.559 And he does it. 00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:05.480 He knows what's right. 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:06.960 And he avoids that sometimes. 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:10.559 So we have in David an imperfect leader. 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:12.839 But I believe in Psalm 57. 00:23:12.839 --> 00:23:16.960 He is pointing us to one who is perfect. 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:19.619 That the God who is most high. 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.139 Now comes down. 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:23.599 The God who hears and answers. 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:26.519 The God who is the refuge for his people. 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:29.799 Has now come down to dwell among his people. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:32.480 That he has come to experience life. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:35.159 To live a perfect life in our place. 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:38.819 To die a sacrificial death on our behalf. 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.519 So we need help. 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.000 And we need a helper. 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:47.199 David is reflecting on his situation. 00:23:47.959 --> 00:23:52.019 But he's seeing his life in the light of God. 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:55.039 Is that how we see our life? 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:57.200 And I think David is being honest. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.579 And I think we need to be honest. 00:23:59.079 --> 00:24:03.700 Do we frame our life in our knowledge of God? 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:05.420 Our awareness of God? 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.420 His power? 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.440 His presence? 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.400 His love? 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:08.940 His faithfulness? 00:24:09.940 --> 00:24:14.240 Because David is seeing everything through that lens. 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:18.220 You see, when you look at this world apart from God. 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:20.440 It simply doesn't make sense. 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:22.059 It doesn't add up. 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:26.900 So often it seems like the good never seemed to prosper. 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:31.500 So often it seems like the evil always seemed to get ahead. 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:33.440 It doesn't seem to make sense. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:37.580 But when we begin to see the world through the lens of the Bible. 00:24:38.100 --> 00:24:39.580 Through the lens of God. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:41.980 Things begin to make sense. 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:47.820 And David is trying to make sense of a situation that is not adding up. 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:50.019 David is trying to do the right thing. 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:50.859 And he's on the run. 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:55.899 David is trying to avoid Saul's murderous threats. 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:58.960 And finds himself in the hands of another enemy. 00:24:59.639 --> 00:25:01.599 David finds himself alone in the cave. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:05.619 And then has a group of 400 family members and misfits to join him. 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:11.419 Whatever he might have expected when Saul, Samuel chose him to be the next king. 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:14.340 I don't think this was part of his plan. 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:16.360 You see, that's interesting. 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:21.060 The Christian life is not what we think our plan is. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:25.840 But the Christian life is the plan that God has for our life. 00:25:26.320 --> 00:25:28.039 And as we go through this life. 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:31.019 To us it seems like there are many twists and turns. 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:34.360 But God has a way of making a straight way. 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:39.819 What does the Proverbs say in Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6? 00:25:40.219 --> 00:25:42.339 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. 00:25:42.719 --> 00:25:44.699 Lean not on your own understanding. 00:25:45.159 --> 00:25:47.399 But in all your ways acknowledge him. 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:50.639 And he will make your path straight. 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:54.459 David saw his life through the lens of God. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:56.619 The refuge that God gave. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:58.079 The help that God provided. 00:25:58.659 --> 00:26:02.599 And David gave us a foretaste of the helper who was to come. 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:04.039 We need help. 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.459 We need a helper. 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:06.939 This life is tough. 00:26:07.459 --> 00:26:08.500 This life is unexpected. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:13.279 This life will take turns and put you in places that you never expected to be in. 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:16.179 As we cry out to the Most High God. 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:17.359 He hears. 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:18.679 He answers. 00:26:19.219 --> 00:26:20.439 He comes down. 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:24.399 And he overcomes all of our obstacles. 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:26.500 He delivers us. 00:26:26.500 --> 00:26:28.400 So that the end of the day. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:31.059 In verses 9 to 11 of the psalm. 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:33.980 I will praise you Lord among the nations. 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:36.380 I will sing of you among the peoples. 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:38.420 He gives us a song to sing. 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:40.579 And an audience with which to sing it too. 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:43.160 For great is your love reaching to the heavens. 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:45.519 Your faithfulness reaches to the sky. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:48.079 Be exalted oh God above the heavens. 00:26:48.619 --> 00:26:51.039 Let your glory be over all the earth. 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.660 At the end of the day. 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:53.819 God is exalted. 00:26:53.819 --> 00:26:56.439 The people of God will be exalted. 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:59.480 And all the enemies of God will be humbled. 00:27:00.159 --> 00:27:02.079 That's why David needed help. 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:03.939 That's why he needed a helper. 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:07.319 And that's why we read these words today. 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:09.259 Through the lens of scripture. 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:12.399 And through the lens of the incarnation of Jesus. 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:15.279 He is our help. 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.879 He is our hope. 00:27:17.439 --> 00:27:20.259 The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.980 We have seen his glory. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:24.799 The glory of the only begotten son of the father. 00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:28.039 Full of grace and truth. 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:29.420 Let's pray. 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:32.079 Father we thank you for this scene. 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:33.779 Those many years ago. 00:27:33.940 --> 00:27:35.240 Three thousand years ago. 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:35.740 00:27:35.740 --> 00:28:05.720 Thank you.