DCLM Higher Everyday 26 March 2024 — Jealousy: Saul Eyes David
Topic: Jealousy: Saul Eyes David
Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-9
1And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
6And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
7And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
8And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
9And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
Key Verse: “And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18: 8-9).
Message
Benny Hinn once said that, “If you ever find the spirit of jealousy you’ll find the spirit of murder, anger, and rage.” Our passage today centres on Saul and David relationship. Saul, the king of Israel, became jealous of David after he defeated the giant, Goliath and gained popularity in Israel. Fearing that David would take his throne, Saul became envious of David’s accomplishments, which motivated him to repeatedly attempt to kill David.
The story teaches against the destructive power of jealousy and shows how it can lead to negative consequences. Allowing pride and feelings of insecurity to control us is dangerous – learn humility! To overcome jealousy, surrender your life to Jesus Christ, since “The cure for the sin of envy and jealousy is to find our contentment in God,” writes Jerry Bridges. Acknowledge and understand your feelings, practice gratitude and focus on what you have rather than what others have that you don’t. Challenge negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Learn to appreciate others’ success and build healthy relationships. Focus on your own goals rather than trying to compete with others.
Quote: Build healthy relationships
Challenge: Practice gratitude and celebrate others’ success.
Prayer for today: God, remove ungodly feelings from my heart, free me from jealousy.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
