Deciding to Go Farther

O. T. #642  "Deciding to Go Farther"
November 25, 2015
1 Samuel 23-Part 4
When David heard that Saul and his men were searching for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and he remained there in the wilderness of Maon. 
1 Samuel 23:25  NLT

LET IT GLOW

We were able to visit the beautiful state of Vermont during the indescribable foliage. One morning, we drove, decided to go farther up the mountains, so we drove up toward the ski slopes, without snow, and saw the huge, ginormous boulders that had fallen down off those monstrous mountains. They must have weighed a ton. (Of course we had to take our pictures there.) While being in their midst and standing on them, I was reminded of Jesus being my Rock. I could stand on Him. He isn't going to be moved by anyone or anything. What a firm foundation for my life! David took refuge in his Rock, also.

With the help of the Ziphites, Saul pursued David. When David heard of Saul and his army looking for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. This place where David camped is called the Rock of Escape, Rock of Division, Rock of Separation, or Narrow Escape.

En Gedi was an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea fourteen miles east of Ziph, where there is a fresh water spring and lush vineyards, (Song of So. 1:14), standing in stark contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The limestone that dominates this region is permeated with caves, which provided good hiding places for David. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Swindoll described it as the perfect place to hide. It provided protection and water and a natural lookout spot where he could see for miles around, to guard against any enemy's approach.


Sounds like a good description of Jesus in HIs child's life.
David referred to Jesus being his Rock in Psalms 18:2, 31, 46.

Look back, and see that David went even farther into the wilderness (verse 25). That phrase rang a bell. We read of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest, went a little farther to pray (Matt. 26:39).

How far are we willing to go with Jesus? Do we draw a line, build a wall, close the door instead of going a little farther with Him? It may require that we go farther than we want to go, but His will demands it in order to accomplish it. Will we go a little farther in our prayer time or set our limits? What blessing would have experienced if only we had gone a little farther with Him?



LET IT GROW

David and Saul were now on opposite sides of a mountain. Only rocks divided Saul and David. Just when  Saul and his men were about to close in on David, an urgent message reached the king. It caused Saul to call off the hunt when the Philistines made a new invasion in Israel again. What a timely retreat. God continued to protect David from the sword of Saul.

Do we ever stand on opposite sides of issues with people? Do we stand on the Rock, only to retreat when He directs?

LET IT GO

                       ... so I go a little farther with Jesus.
                                   ...and stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ my Savior.


*My husband and I are spending the next few days in Branson, celebrating our 43rd anniversary. I will try to write ahead so nothing is missed.