October 19, 2013 God's Design

Read 1 Samuel 19

God’s Design

9 But an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, 10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

“AN evil spirit from the Lord” doesn’t sound right does it? Most commentaries I’ve checked say that the Holy Spirit’s power departed from Saul. God had anointed Saul with prophecy and courage. Saul had lead Israel to victories over the powerful Philistines. God’s anointing was sure and true. Now God sends “an evil spirit” to torment Saul. Really, this doesn’t make sense – to me.

     Some would say, “God allowed it.” But as he allows it, God in effect sends it. He’s the sovereign Lord of all things, and scripture is very clear nothing happens outside of his permission.

     Thus I ask, “Why the evil spirit, Lord?  Couldn’t you send to Saul your Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (especially that one)? That certainly would have been much better for David, and we wouldn’t have this story of conflict between the two.”

     Oh. That’s it, isn’t it? You had a plan back then to raise David to strengthen your kingdom. The conflict was for the purpose of strengthening David. You wanted him to be in a place, a really hard place where he could trust you. You designed Saul to be David’s antagonist. You showed evil to David to see what he would do with it.

     You were pleased when he passed the test. From David you moved forward your plan to prepare the world for Jesus, the Son of David.

A Moment’s Thought: God’s design leads to his eternal canvas.