April 18, 2021
Kingdom Strength and Values
David and his men rescued their family members from the Amalekites, who had raided Ziklag and carried them away. Meanwhile to the north, Saul died in battle with the Philistines on Mt. Gilboa, ending the life of Israel’s first king.
Jesus told a parable about two men who lived very different lives on earth and then spent eternity in very different places. One received God’s comfort, the other God’s judgment.
Observation and Activation
“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” -1 Samuel 30:6
David chose to put his confidence in the Lord. God responded by guiding David to victory over the Amalekites and the restoration of his family members.
The rich man who had enjoyed all that life had to offer found himself without hope in the life to come. But Lazarus, the poor man he had hardly noticed, received God’s comfort.
Jesus’ words remind us that eternity’s values differ from earthly values. How can finding strength in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6) impact your values and choices?