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David Saved Keilah—Enduring Kindness
Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors. “Therefore, David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines? “And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah. But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? “Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand. “And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So, David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. (1 Samuel 23:1-5)
This passage describes David’s rescue of Keilah, and we see David asking the Lord twice for guidance, showing he had God in his heart and revered Him! He knew that plans are made by man, but success comes from God. Before taking any action, he always sought God’s will; David was a man who trusted in God, for when God said, “Go down to Keilah, I will give the Philistines into your hands,” David followed God’s will without hesitation or fear, ultimately defeating the Philistines and saving the people of Keilah.
Contrast this with Saul, who, when told, “David has gone to Keilah,” said, ” “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars” (1 Samuel 23:7). We see Saul did not seek God’s guidance. How then could he claim, “God has delivered David into my hands”? Clearly, Saul did not have God in his heart, and acted and spoke as he wished, claiming it was from God when it suited him. But did God really deliver David into Saul’s hands? “David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands” (1 Samuel 23:14). So, we know that actions not aligned with God’s will are not accepted; God’s blessings come only to those who truly seek, trust, and obey His will!
Disrespect for God and lack of love were the reasons for Saul’s failure, but they were the keys to David’s blessing! What can we learn from David’s rescue of Keilah and apply to our daily lives in service?
- When David faced the mighty Philistines, whom did he put first?
David put God first. The church is God’s house and should be led by God. Therefore, facing various church ministries, we must pray devoutly for God’s guidance. As fellow members of the body of Christ, we should not be opinionated and must be considerate of those among us who have unbelieving family members, are persecuted, economically needy, or even health-compromised, yet still care about the church’s ministry. Shouldn’t we value such hard-won fellow workers even more, showing mutual understanding and deference, letting God lead?
- How did David handle opposition?
When David’s followers told him, “We are afraid even here in Judah, how much more if we go to Keilah to fight the Philistine army?” (1 Samuel 23:3), David called upon God again. He did not get angry or threaten anyone. His calmness was because he was a leader who could empathize, knowing his followers were despised and troubled, and asking them to help others with love and faith was not easy. He did not blame his followers or force them to obey his commands, but prayed again, seeking confirmation from God! David’s gentle demeanor and humble attitude set a good example for us.
Similarly, in the church, when we encounter different or opposing voices, we should not criticize, blame, or judge rashly. Everyone has blind spots and is imperfect. No one’s thoughts are completely flawless, so we must graciously accept opinions from all sides. Blood and flesh achieve nothing. We pray for God to grant all brothers and sisters a peaceful heart, able to submit to God’s guidance. After settling, we will discover that these different voices allow us to make more appropriate considerations. May God’s wisdom abundantly pour over us!
- How did David respond when Saul wanted to attack Keilah because of David?
“O Lord God of Israel, instruct your servant!” David constantly prayed. When David learned that the people of Keilah would hand him and his followers over to Saul, he did not become disappointed or bitter. Considering the people of Keilah, knowing Saul’s brutal nature might lead him to destroy Keilah to capture him, David quietly led his followers away. David’s gentleness, kindness, and consideration shone through this subtle action! David was a true ambassador for God. He carried the message of reconciliation. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.
When David was betrayed by the people of Keilah he had saved, he still showed love and kindness. Shouldn’t we, treating our fellow brothers and sisters who are also children of our Heavenly Father, be more patient and tolerant? Don’t forget, the devil’s scheme is to divide, and we belong to God!
The sheep of the Lord hear His voice, receive His teachings, and, no matter the storms, can adjust and follow in the footsteps of the Lord, leaning on God to regain strength! For God said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34).
May the God of grace, love, and mercy be with us! Amen!
We warmly invite you to come to the Chicago True Jesus Church’s Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation in September. May we be living for Him.
Thursday, September 26,2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org