Day 21 of 90 - 1 Samuel 20:18- 2 Samuel 3:21

Day 21 - COMPLETE!

On Day 21, we completed 1 Samuel 20:18-2 Samuel 3:21, and In most of 1 Samuel, David seems to be running away from Saul, in the hopes that he will not die. But Saul’s behavior reveals something important about those who repent versus those who say I’m sorry. Evidence of true repentance is changed behavior. Evidence of an apologetic pretender is pretty poetry. We see this clearly in 1 Samuel 24, when David tells Saul that he could’ve killed him in the cave, but he did not. Saul’s response is problematic for several reasons. First of all, he asks “is that your voice, David, my son?” Then he weeps. Then he gives a full Broadway drama by declaring truth without conviction. He says to David,” You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.” All of this is theatrics without true transformation.

What’s interesting is that Saul starts calling David, “my son” only after he gets caught. But if he were really his “spiritual father” he wouldn’t be plotting to kill his seed. True fathers aren’t intimidated by their sons; they are inspired by them. But in actuality, these words are said to distract David from Saul’s deceptive nature. Saul was not David’s father; Jesse was. Saul was not even a mentor to David; Samuel was. But many times, imposters will try to impose a role onto your life that you don’t need, or they can’t be, in order to make you feel like they are more significant to you than they really are. Don’t be deceived. Respect but don’t accept. David never calls Saul “Father.” He only calls him Lord or King. This teaches me that I can still honor Saul for the position he holds without subscribing to the position he wants. In short, stop letting people call you “son” when they “are NOT your father.”

There are several “spiritual sons” damaged in life because the wrong leader claimed them, and then named them without authorization. But they weren’t your parent; they were your peer. It’s ok to have mentors, and teachers, but there are not many fathers (1 Corinthians 4:15).

Secondly. Saul proves to us that deception reveals itself in the dramatic. He makes all of these emotional claims to David and still doesn’t change. As soon as the curtain closes, he begins another plot to kill David. But God gives David self-control because the same man who could sling one stone and kill Goliath, does not strike with one sword and kill Saul. In this chapter, God is giving you the restraint to win without retaliation.