Strengthen yourself in God.
v1-5 Sometimes God’s plan for your life begins with disappointment. In the previous chapter, David was disappointed when he was sent home before the battle started. In this chapter, we see that God had greater purpose for bringing David back to his home. When David returned, he found out that while he was at the battlefront, the Amalakites attacked his stronghold. They burned it down and took the women and children captive, including his wives. God brought David back to Ziklag to protect his family.
v6 Godly leaders strengthen themselves in God when things go wrong. David had lost everything. His home was destroyed, his family was captured, and his men wanted to kill him for being unable to protect their families. David must have felt like a failure. But he strengthened himself in God.
In moments when you feel like a complete failure, strengthen yourself in the Lord. Run to God and not away from Him. When you feel at a loss of what to do, seek God’s direction. When you feel depressed, start praising God. Worshipping takes your eyes of your situation and reminds you of who God is. When you feel hopeless, keep reading God’s Word to remind you of His promises.
v7-10 Seek God’s direction before taking action. Seeking God will give you clarity when making decisions. David did not take action until he received confirmation from God. God’s promise gave David the assurance that his family would be safe. Isaiah 46:10 teaches us that God declares the end from the beginning and His Word never fails. God holds your future in His hands. When you seek God, He will reveal His plan for you.
Read 1 Samuel 30:1-6
What can you learn from the way David reaponded in this situation?
What does verse 8 reveal about the way God responds to those who seek him?
God blesses kindness.
v11-15 God blesses those who show kindness to their enemies. David’s men found an Egyptian who was on the verge of death. They could have left him for dead but chose to show him kindness instead. This Egyptian turned out to be a soldier who was left behind by the Amalekite army. Because of David’s kindness, the Egyptian soldier led David to the location of the Amalekites. 1 Peter 3:9 teaches us to show kindness irregardless of whether other people deserve it. God has a way of using your kindness to return blessings to you.
v18-19 God fulfilled His word to David. Everything that was taken by the Amalekites was fully restored to David. God protected David’s family and the people who were carried away captive. David was a shepherd who protected the people under his care. This points to Jesus, the great shepherd, who watches over us.
Read 1 Samuel 30:11-20.
What can you learn from the way David treated the Egyptian?
What does 1 Peter 3:9 teach us about showing kindness to others?
Everyone’s role is significant.
v21-25 After returning from defeating the Amalekites, some men were not willing to share the spoils with the 200 men who did not fight in the battle. After all they had risked their lives and did all the work to win the battle. But David reminded the men that the victory did not belong to them but belonged to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31). By choosing to reward each soldier regardless of whether they fought or guarded the supplies, David acknowledged that both roles were equally important.
In the same way, 1 Corinthians 12:21 teaches us that every role in God’s Kingdom is equally significant. In church people usually perceive some roles as more significant and deem others as less significant. Platform ministries like preaching and worship teams tend to receive more recognition. While support ministries like tech, logistics, administration, operations and intercessory prayer receive little recognition. Many people are drawn to platform ministries because they feel it is more significant. But God’s Word reminds us that every role is equally essential to growing God’s Kingdom. Even the smallest role in ministry is not overlooked by God. God will reward every person who serves Him regardless of which role you play.
v26-30 Godly leaders are generous. David shared his blessings with the leaders in Israel. Proverbs 11:25 teaches us that God blesses those who bless others.
Read 1 Samuel 30:21-30.
What does this passage teach you about Godly leadership?
What does this passage teach you about the way God rewards those who serve Him?
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