CAPTIVATED WITH RAGE!

In I Samuel, we see King Saul's rage at David escalate to attempted murder.

It begins with David killing Goliath - a good thing that made Saul happy. But then, the people sang a song:

“Saul has slain his thousands,

and David his tens of thousands.”

Saul is enraged to think that his people honor David more than him!  He can’t get the melody out of his mind.  It replays and continually reignited his anger. 

Saul made at least five attacks on David’s life:  19:10, 15, 20-21, 23-24. 

At one point, Saul’s son, Jonathan, is able to persuade his father to reinstate David – convincing Saul that David is a blessing to him and not a threat.  However, it is short-lived. 

Repeatedly, we read the phrase:  “…an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul…”  [16:14; 18;10; 19;9].  Is this a mental illness?  Was Saul bi-polar?  There’s no definitive way for us to know what exactly is going on. 

In chapter 19, God injects humor into the story.  Saul hears that David has escaped to be with Samuel – the man of God.  Saul sends men to capture him, but when they arrive in Samuel’s presence, they begin to prophesy.  When Saul hears this, he sends a second group of men;  upon their arrival, they also begin to prophesy.  So, Saul sends a third group;  when they arrive, they too begin to prophesy! 

[Come on – you’ve got to giggle here.  All these mighty Israelite warriors standing in their full battle gear speaking in tongues!  😂😂🤣]

So, finally, King Saul goes himself to capture his enemy. 

“But the Spirit of God came even upon him,

And he walked along prophesying… 

He stripped off his robes and prophesied in Samuel’s presence…all that day and night.” [vs.23-24]

This is going to go on for years!  In ensuing chapters, Saul will pursue David (and his band of followers) relentlessly through the wilderness of Engedi.  Two times, David will spare Saul’s life!  Both times, Saul will repent – and then again take up the pursuit.  It’s a sad story of a man who can’t let go of his bitterness and jealousy. 

This sad saga ends with Saul taking his own life after being wounded in battle!  Sad!  It didn’t have to end this way! 

Rejecting God’s initiatives in our lives is done at our own peril!  Numerous messengers tried to get Saul’s attention:  Samuel, David, Jonathan, Michal – but all Saul could hear was that melody playing in his mind! 

Is God trying to get your attention?  Are things going badly in your life?  Could it be that He’s trying to send you a wake-up call?  Are you holding on to bitterness and jealousy?  Has depression taken a deep hold on your life?  Do you have difficulty thinking good thoughts? 

If your answer to any of these questions is ‘Yes’, then it is time to surrender to God and let Him begin to work in new ways in your life!  My suggestion:  Hit your knees and cry out to Him!  You will NOT be disappointed!