Is There Not A Cause?

Serving – October 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Is There Not A Cause?

In 1 Samuel 15, God became so displeased with King Saul that He rejected him from being king (v.23). The L ORD then told His prophet Samuel to anoint another man to be king over His people Israel (16:1-3) in place of Saul. The L ORD sent Samuel to Jesse in Bethlehem, and Jesse brought, in his opinion, his best sons to Samuel first. One by one, God turned down the sons Jesse brought out; Jesse did not even think about presenting his youngest son, David. Samuel asked Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” (v.11 NKJV ). Jesse responded, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep” (v.11). Upon seeing David and knowing the will of the L ORD , Samuel anointed him king in the presence of his family. Based on the biblical account, it seems that David then went back to shepherding the sheep, for a long time would pass before David actually sat on the throne.

“The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him” (v.14). One of Saul’s servants advised him to find someone who could skillfully play the harp and soothe him. Another of his servants knew of David’s ability and suggested finding him, knowing that he was “a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him” (v.18). Saul summoned David. How interesting that even though David’s anointing was seemingly not known outside the family, the LORD brought him into the palace where he could learn about the activities of governing. At the time Saul loved David and gave him the trusted position of armor bearer (v.21).

Soon, King Saul and his armies went to war with the Philistines. Three of David’s brothers were there as well, but where do we find David? Once again he was caring for the sheep (17:15). Jesse sent David to his brothers with food for them and their captain. After delivering the goods, David remained, asking questions. Then he said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v.26). Had the Israelite soldiers considered that they in fact were the army of the living God?

David’s oldest brother, Eliab, was angry with him, saying, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle” (v.28). David responded, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” (v.29). What a question! Surely there was a cause. Goliath needed to be defeated and the victory won.

We likely know the story well. After some discussion including accounts of David’s killing of a lion and a bear that attacked the sheep, David went out and faced Goliath. With a sling and stone the LORD delivered Goliath to David, who “struck the Philistine and killed him” (v.50). Soon songs of praise for David and his accomplishments were sung, crediting him with greater victories than Saul. Saul’s love turned to hatred, and he sought to kill David; yet David recognized Saul as the Lord’s anointed and refused to harm him despite opportunities.

A Few Lessons For Us
Do we sometimes cower like the Israelite army before a formidable foe, failing to remember that we are the people of God? We must not remain in that state! Consider what we find in David.

David was one considered too young to be viewed as called of the LORD, but he was the one God had chosen. The young man spent much time in the fields, humbly doing a lowly task unappreciated by many: shepherding sheep. His skill of playing the harp certainly brought praise to God and was used to soothe man. As a young man he was exposed to the role he would have later as king. David learned obedience to those who had authority and respected the supreme rule of the LORD, keeping him from acting rashly. Even when rudely accused by some in his family, David remained faithful to what the LORD had called him to do. The things David learned throughout his life prepared him for future responsibilities. For each step we could ask, “Is there not a cause?” It is a question that should be on our hearts during our walk in this world, although separate from it.

Do we realize there is an urgent cause today? The world is against God and His people, and thousands of individuals die each day without knowing the Savior. He has prepared us to share the gospel with those around while serving Him. The time is short, and there is a cause!

By Curt Darling