PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 21-22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“All who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him.” (1 Samuel 22:2)
David is not a victorious ruler, but an innocent fugitive.
And yet he finds people drawn to him, those who are also on the run.
Those were in distress, in debt, or discontented… needing help or hope.
This is an interesting parallel with Jesus, the Son of David.
Through Jesus God becomes weak, homeless, a target to the enemy.
But through Jesus God also becomes available to others in a similar place.
Jesus offers welcome and holy bread to all who seek hope and help.
All who admit their need for hope and help are welcome and fed by Jesus.
In this world there are many people looking for hope and help.
All who desperately desire Jesus are (or should be) welcome.
Is our table a welcome place for sinners and strugglers to find hope and help?
Our job is not to make people clean up their lives first, nor to do it for them.
Our job is to welcome them, and to let Jesus work in them by grace!
It is God’s gracious welcome and the free gift of holy bread, that makes them new!
PRAYER
Lord, we gather around you like a motley crew of sinners and strugglers. May our gathering become known as a place where other sinners and strugglers will be welcome and included.
David is living in fear – as a fugitive – at first he leans on his own savvy – but it fails to gain him security for him and for his family who have also fled the wrath of Saul. He tries to find a safe place in Gath and then Moab. But God comes to David via the prophet Gad and directs him to move to Judah. Then Abiathar comes to David and tells him what happened to Ahimelek and the people of Nob. David knows that it is his fault – his tactics that have led to their death. David needs to lean on God more. I need to lean on God more and not let my thinking and planning and desires get in the way! David in the meantime has become a leader of a lot people who have become outcasts and fugitives – they become very loyal to him! I too need to be there for others – especially those outside the normal circle!
Being blinded by his own prejudice. Going his own way. Abusing his own authority. Vain ruling so that his people go to David and follow him.
Acceptance.
A safe haven.
Christ Jesus is that for you and me.
Safety.
Secure.
My safety net.
Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come