June 27 | 1 Samuel 23:15-24

---

DAILY READING

I Samuel 23:15-24

---

REFLECTION

Repaying Evil

by Ken Dillman 

As a young boy of five or six years old, I can remember my mother “dragging” me and my brother to the small Wesleyan church she would infrequently attend; it was usually around Easter, Christmas, or when the church held a revival.

Sometimes, a missionary would be part of the evening service; the sanctuary lights would be dimmed, and a flannelgraph would be constructed telling some Bible story. I remember the refrain of an old hymn the congregation would sing, it hangs in my memory alongside exciting Christmas mornings, neighborhood birthday parties, and sweltering summer trips to my grandparents who lived in Arkansas…

There is a balm in Gilead

to make the wounded whole,

There is a balm in Gilead

to heal the sin-sick soul.

“The Balm of Gilead” song has its roots in a 1779 John Newton hymn and Jeremiah 8:22; it’s symbolic of the spiritual medicine needed for Israel’s sin, as well as salvation for the world through Jesus.

In our text for today, David is on the run from King Saul who, on many occasions had attempted to kill him. David had numerous opportunities to kill the King, but never did so, even going so far as to say to his own men, “I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.” (1 Sam. 24:10)

The Shepherd of our Soul is often working in the shadows of our heart, and we don’t even realize it. It wasn’t David’s fortitude that kept him from exacting revenge on the King, but rather God’s Spirit working in the deepest part of David’s heart; “And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe.” (1 Sam. 24:5)

It’s God’s Spirit who shepherds us not to repay evil for evil, it’s God who takes away our animosity, bitterness, resentment, anger, and desire for revenge when others have mistreated us.

The shepherd works in the shadows of our heart applying his soothing balm to the deepest, darkest recesses that might hold a desire for retaliation; he is “The Balm of Gilead.”

The apostle Paul admonished the Ephesian Church to “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice,” (Eph. 4:31) knowing that our propensity is to store up evil in our heart as Jesus taught (Luke 6:45).

I’m so grateful my mother “dragged” me to that little Wesleyan church with her when I was a young boy. It laid the foundation for the rest of my life as the Shepherd of my soul began His work in me.

Prayer

God, help us to bury you deep in our hearts and mind. Please let your Holy Spirit have complete control of our emotions when we are wronged. You way is the best way. Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My wife, Karen and I have been attending UALC for 6-7 years and enjoy God's presence in our gatherings. We live in Hilliard; our three adult children live in Central Ohio. I am a retired Chaplain and Pastor, and enjoy writing, walking, jogging, and listening to live music. I appreciate the opportunity to write for the church’s devotionals.

---

JUNE 26 | 1 SAMUEL 19:1-24

---

DAILY READING

1 Samuel 19:1-24

---

REFLECTION

Friends To The End

by Judy Webb

Why do we need each other? Why is ‘one-anothering’ so important in the Christian life? When Jesus came to live on earth, one of the first things he did as an adult, was to select a few friends. He knew life would be difficult and he had a big plan to carry out. When we become Christian, we too needed a few good friends to come along side us – for so many reasons.

Look at the friendship of Jonathan and King David. Jonathan’s father was the current king of Israel, Saul. Saul’s insecure nature and jealous heart were bent on destroying David. It was these character traits which were his undoing. King Saul feared that David had gifts of leadership that would outshine his own.

For 15 years Saul pursued David, with one goal in mind – to get rid him. “Saul told his son Jonathan and all his attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard…” (1 Samuel 19:1-2)

We aren’t meant to go through life alone, we are to impact each other, we are to share our lives and grow our faith together. “In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:27 VOICE)

Take the time to read the rest of the story of Jonathan and David. It is such a  wonderful testimony to the impact a pure friendship can have on one’s life and family throughout the ages.

Then consider the close friends you have and thank God for giving you these individuals to share your life with.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

It is so important we learn to share our lives with each other. David needed Jonathan as much as Jonathan needed David. That is how you created us, to live life loving you and others. We are made to share and support our neighbors. There are many difficulties we will each face, and thank you for the gift of loving friends. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

---

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

---

June 25 | 1 Samuel 18:6-16

---

DAILY READING

1 Samuel 18:6-16

---

REFLECTION

Selfish vs. Servant Heart

By Beth Voltmann

Saul and David – a study in contrasts. Two men with very different hearts.

Our reading begins as the men of Israel were returning home “after David had killed the Philistine.” (v. 6) Not just any Philistine...that would be GOLIATH... the 9’9” giant that had caused King Saul and the troops to tremble in their boots in response to his taunts and threats.

Then, a young shepherd boy boldly stepped up without fear, confident in the power of the name of the LORD, and asked if he could give it a go. He took that giant down with just a sling and a stone because he had faith that the battle belonged to the LORD! (1 Samuel 17)

Scripture paints the picture of what happened next as the Israelites returned home from the battlefield. The women met King Saul with joyful dancing and singing:

“Saul has slain his thousands,

And David his tens of thousands.”

Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly.

“They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought,

“but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”

(1 Samuel 18:7-8)

“But me.” That was Saul’s reaction.

Consider these two kings:

Saul  -  Pompous, Selfish, Jealous, Insubordinate                                         

David  -  Humble, Selfless, Patient, Obedient

Both were anointed by Samuel, and though Saul is referenced in the Bible as a king of Israel, only David is recorded as a shepherd to the people. Saul, placed in the position by God in response to the people’s demands for a king (not long after they had been led into the land of promise), began to seek his own counsel and glory instead of following the Lord’s commands. (1 Samuel 10)

After 42 years of poor leadership, God rejected Saul and sent Samuel to anoint the shepherd boy, David, as the true king, “a man after his own heart”. (1 Samuel 13:14) David’s reign, though not perfect, would reflect the heart of the Father and foreshadow the coming of our eternal King and Good Shepherd, Jesus.

The heart analysis is simple, the message clear.

Saul – A Selfish Sovereign - “But Me.”

David – A Servant Shepherd  - “But God.”

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for the truth of your Word and the lessons we can learn from the lives recorded within. Please reveal my own heart in this story. Do I whine that I am not receiving enough credit and glory for how I have served my God? If so, I repent of my selfish ways and ask that you would help me to love and follow you with my whole heart. I long to boldly face my giants, believing in full faith that the battle belongs to the LORD.

Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.