Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 18:5-16
In this six-week study on sidekicks in the Old Testament we would not quickly assume David to be numbered as one of the subjects David is one of the most pivotal names in the Bible. He is the king who starts a dynasty that is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus the Messiah.
However, contained within all the biographies of the great men and women of the Bible are humble beginnings. In I Samuel 18, David is not the king. Rather, he is the faithful servant of the envious and hateful King Saul.
Give your best as a follower. In the preceding chapter David killed Goliath, solidifying his renown in the land. In chapter 16, the prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king of Israel.
In the first verses of chapter 18 Jonathan, Saul’s son, befriends David and Saul brings the young man to live and serve in his household. These must have been heady days for David. A rapid rise like this would go to the head of almost any individual. Yet, this was not the case with David. David understood that his role at this time, no matter how important, was still one of a servant. Whatever Saul instructed him to do, he accomplished the task with great success.
Moore
David knew that he would one day be the king. But in chapter 18 he was still the follower and he gave it his best. God may have great things in store for you and you may even know they are coming down the pike. Yet, God still calls you to be faithful now and to do your best, not waiting around until your time comes.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus gives us the parable of the faithful servant and says, “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35, NKJV). In other words, faithful servants are ready for action now, redeeming the time, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
Give your best even if it is not valued. Saul’s jealousy almost killed David at the outset. When we serve the Lord, Jesus has assured us the world will not appreciate it. No one may ever know how much you sacrifice, give or work for the kingdom of God. Even when you do the right thing, suffering and persecution may follow. Remember, however, that we are not giving our best as people pleasers. “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23).
Give your best as honor to God. Not only was Saul jealous of David, but he was also afraid of him. Why? Because he knew the Lord was with the young man while God had removed His empowering Spirit from the king.
David succeeded because he was faithful in what he was called to do. While the king sat on his throne, David was out leading the troops in battle — where the king should have also been.
Authentic obedience and faithfulness to God proves to be a contagious trait that attracts those who seek to serve the Lord A companion passage in Colossians 3:17 reads, “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” No matter what God has called you to do, give it all you’ve got and give God the glory! B&R
