Do you let criticism hinder your actions?
Perceive: Up to this point, the army of Israel viewed this situation from what they “felt” was a military problem. How ironic that a mere shepherd and the youngest of eight sons was the one who notes the theological implications of this warfare. His main question was very telling, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” David’s question irritated his brothers, especially Eliab. Eliab misunderstood and angrily questioned David’s motives for coming down to the battlefield (28). They were ungrateful older brothers, who criticized him for leaving the sheep and misjudged his motives for being there.
Practice: The spirit of the brothers is like that of Joseph’s brothers who held “the dreamer” in such hatred. When Satan wants to hinder a work of God, he always has somebody point out methods and means that are less productive or made to feel inadequate for the task. They probably pictured themselves as seasoned warriors with David as a naïve teenager. David’s willingness to address the situation convicted them and highlighted their inadequacies. Had Samuel listened to Eliab talk to David, he would have known why God rejected him as a king (1 Samuel 16:7). When people try to discourage you with disapproval or ridicule, continue to do what is right. It is more important to please God than to please men.
Pray: Lord, help me to see critical remarks as you see them. For those that benefit me, enable me to hear and receive. For those that are designed to hurt, enable me to consider the source and react with godliness.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: The spirit of the brothers is like that of Joseph’s brothers who held “the dreamer” in such hatred. When Satan wants to hinder a work of God, he always has somebody point out methods and means that are less productive or made to feel inadequate for the task. They probably pictured themselves as seasoned warriors with David as a naïve teenager. David’s willingness to address the situation convicted them and highlighted their inadequacies. Had Samuel listened to Eliab talk to David, he would have known why God rejected him as a king (1 Samuel 16:7). When people try to discourage you with disapproval or ridicule, continue to do what is right. It is more important to please God than to please men.
Pray: Lord, help me to see critical remarks as you see them. For those that benefit me, enable me to hear and receive. For those that are designed to hurt, enable me to consider the source and react with godliness.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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