Those things most lovely and precious in life are often subject to our barbarian flesh. We denounce our values by seeking immediate gratification through sinful means. For example, have you ever avoided conflict resolution by gossip or "prayer requests", ultimately demeaning the one you should be actively loving? Have you tuned out difficult people, hopeless situations, or overwhelming emotions by overeating, sleeping, or drunkenness? Have you been negligent to show appreciation and value for your family or spouse? If you have, you know that sinful desires distract us from obedience to God's Word, devaluing those things that are lovely and precious before God.
For David, those who were lovely and precious were taken captive. The Amalekites burned Ziklag with fire and swept away all of the women and children. And such destruction overtook them while David was follwing after the Philistines to war against his own people, Israel.
Remember that Saul punctured David's side like a thorn, so much that David had sought rest in the land of the hated Philistines. Given Ziklag to live in, David and his men established a new home. The displaced Isrealites then became obligated to the Philistines during wartime - even against their Israelite brethren. Yet, beyond this military alliance David led his men to war by choice. With the destruction of his nemesis close at hand, imagine the sweet revenge!
Unexpectedly rejected from the war march , the displaced Israelites tucked their tails between their legs and returned home (1 Sam 29). But home did not exist. During David's ungodly attempt at war against Saul, the Amalekites obliterated Ziklag.
Consequences weighed hard upon David as the leader. His men smoldered like embers of anger and bitterness, desiring to stone him. Grieving his own loss of wife and children, the emotion of his men's loss came back to him ten fold. His barbarian flesh had fallen short of providing and protecting them. Instead, they stood humiliated and stripped for their neighbors to see.
But God showed himself gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness (see also Ex 34:5-7). David relinquished his pride and independence, strengthening himself in God's presence and seeking permission to march in war once again, but this time against the Amalekites.
Wonderous and merciful, God answered David. David received the command to go, for ALL would be rescued. Every precious life and every lovely woman was promised to return.
What abundance our God wills for those who reptent and turn from their wicked ways! Rather than giving us leverage to satisfy our barbarian flesh, the Lord's work on David's behalf should encourage us to run to God in our conviction of sin. He has redeemed us, and His promise will sustain us. Let's turn to him in the sin of our flesh. Not distracted any longer, but setting our desires upon Him and seeking His counsel through the Bible, prayer, and godly counselors.
Will you repent and return in order to gain what is lovely and precious? Return, despite the consequences of your sin, and be strengthened in the Lord.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible (R), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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