And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God… And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”— 1 Samuel 30: 6, 8 ESV
The last blog ended with a very important question, which we will explore today: Since believers have direct access to God and the Holy Spirit resides in them, why is it hard for them to approach God directly in trust and faith? Why choose to seek their leaders’ opinion over what the Holy Spirit says?
Being of African descent, I know that consulting gods through middlemen and intermediaries is part of the culture. When people want to embark on a new venture or do something different which they are unsure about, they consult the gods to get a sense of whether their actions will be successful.
Even in biblical times, consulting the gods was a practice prevalent among foreign nations, who consulted witches, seers, and other forms of dark magic to see the future. However, God did not want the Israelites to copy the practices of the nations around them; instead, He wanted to speak to them directly, but they were not keen, so He used prophets, starting with Moses.
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)
Sadly, in our churches today, we seem comfortable consulting God through intermediaries rather than approaching Him directly, which has unfortunately led some into trouble after receiving false or wrong prophecy. Is it laziness, lack of faith or both? Jesus died for us to have direct access to the Father, so why not use it?
With reference to today’s scripture, David was on the run and in trouble with his and his men’s families and possessions taken captive. They were so despondent that they wanted to stone David. Even in that dire situation, David decided to turn to God and inquire about what to do next.
“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 (ESV)
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
As a believer, when you are confused, burdened, in trouble or need direction, who do you consult first, God or man?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 