When you are being pursued, do you watch your defense? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 19. I've titled this chapter "When Enemies Pursue God Will Protect." In this chapter, we have learned that two of King Saul's children, his son (Jonathan) and his daughter (Michal), advocate for David. Let's read what happens next in 1 Samuel 19:18-24. Now David fled and escaped, and he came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and lived at Naioth. And it was told Saul, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" And one said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" — 1 Samuel 19:18-24 So, a little heads up about this moment: David leaves Saul's house and never returns. David will never see Jonathan again because he dies in battle. He will also not see Michal until Saul and Jonathan's death (2 Samuel 3:13-16). During this time, David and Michal remarry other spouses, and once they are reunited, their marriage appears strained (2 Samuel 6:16). Here, we notice that David retreats to Samuel's village (about 3 miles away), but when Saul's assassins arrive, they are met by the overwhelming power of the Spirit of God. Remember, we must see this moment as the third of three defensives. First, he is defended by a friend who advocates for him. Next, he is defended by his wife, who conceals his escape. Last, he is defended by the Spirit of God, and nothing will protect him better than the Spirit of God. As a note: this is not a case of believers being "slain in the Spirit." These men have not come to Samuel and David with any type of spiritual intrigue. They are arresting agents who want to assassinate David. They come in three waves yet are so engrossed by the Spirit that they cannot continue their mission. They now work for the King of Glory instead of King Saul. If you are counting, over the last two chapters, there have been seven attempted assassinations on the life of David by Saul (three spears are thrown, three expeditions sent, and one additional attempt by Saul himself). But when Saul arrives at Naioth, something interesting happens. He uncontrollably casts off his royal attire, which is undoubtedly a divine stripping of his royal identity before the Spirit and will of God. In this symbolic moment, Saul is stripped, overpowered, and arrested by God. The man who has come to arrest and assassinate David has now been arrested and apprehended by God. Retreating is necessary and justified at times. David had attempted everything possible to keep peace with Saul in this situation. His only choice was to run, and he had no idea how things would pan out in Naioth or that this would carry on for 12 long years. However, he knew one thing—there was a man of God there who was on God's side. David exemplifies fighting with integrity and understanding when the fight will result in losses for everyone. Running from the problem was the only option, and during the retreat, the Spirit of God did all the fighting for him. Sometimes, David fought with the Spirit, and other times, the Spirit fought for him. In any case, we should do the same. Either fight with the Spirit or let him fight for you, but never ever fight with the Spirit of God. It will strip you bare and might leave you feeling a little naked before your perceived enemies. #DivineProtection, #GodsIntervention, #SpiritualDefense Ask This: How have you experienced God's protection when you felt pursued or threatened, and how can these experiences strengthen your faith in His ability to shield you today?In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to rely on the Spirit for protection or guidance, and what steps can you take to invite His intervention into those situations? Do This: Let the Spirit fight for you or with you. Pray This: Lord, thank You for Your unwavering protection and the power of Your Spirit that guards me in times of trouble. Help me to trust in Your divine defense and seek Your guidance in every challenge I face. Amen. Play This: You've Already Won.
