Intoxicating Power [Devotional]

Devotions ChopChop ^ | June 2, 2009 | Dave Miller (tenger)

[tenger]

The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice.

Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns. 1 Samuel 18:10-16

Saul had a love/hate relationship with David. This is the textbook definition of an abusive relationship. Saud tried to pin David to the wall twice with his sword and yet he sent him to command thousands of his military men. Why didn't David run away from this madman? Well, when the King wants you in his presence, you will do it or you will probably die. David would know that kind of power all too well in a few years.

You have to think that maybe God was preparing David for when he took over the throne. God was showing David firsthand the abuse of power, the intoxicating power that the King possessed, and what it takes to please the King (among other things).

Power in positions of leadership is a very interesting thing. If you're not careful, you can let it dominate your leadership abilities.

Once again, we turn to our leaders. They have enormous amounts of power because they control a lot of money. Pray that our leaders will not be seduced by the allures of power and money. Pray that they won't let their power go to their heads.

[tenger]

approx. 20th devotional from Kings of the OT series.

[ckilmer]

Here's a pretty good prayer song