10th November 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
Theme: A NOBLE AND GENEROUS SPIRIT
THEME SCRIPTURE: " And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? ".(2 Samuel 3:38 KJV)
PREPARATORY QUESTION
1. How is the Christian supposed to treat those who do not like him?
David spent much of his life as a fugitive, with King Saul pursuing him relentlessly. Saul chased David like a wild bird, and during this time, Abner—Saul's army commander—led the pursuit through Keilah (1 Samuel 23:8), the wilderness of En-Gedi (1 Samuel 24:1-2), and the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26:2). Saul and Abner appeared to be David’s greatest enemies. Then the unthinkable happened: King Saul and his three sons died in battle. Many expected David to rejoice. Instead, David and his men tore their clothes and fasted until evening for Saul, Jonathan, and all the men of war who fell that day (2 Samuel 1:11-12).
David showed deep love for his master, even though Saul had sought his life. He composed and taught Israel a noble poem, a model of a funeral dirge.
Without genuine love, a love that “bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7), David could not have written such a tribute for his king. David focused on what was noble and admirable about Saul, setting aside the pain of his persecution.
Similarly, when Abner, Saul’s army commander, was murdered in cold blood, David mourned. He demonstrated love by following Abner’s bier to the grave, choosing to honor him despite Abner’s past enmity. David remembered Abner as a great warrior who had risked his life defending Israel on the battlefield throughout Saul’s 40-year reign.
Beloved, cultivating a noble and generous spirit, like David’s, should be a goal we strive toward. Such a spirit reflects maturity in our walk with God. In today’s world, we’re often quick to see each others' flaws rather than their virtues. We speak evil of other leaders, pastors, and parents far too easily and wish ill upon our enemies. Life here is too short to be consumed by bitter thoughts, vindictive wishes, and prayers for others’ downfall. Certainly, we must stand up to wrongdoers when the weak and defenseless are at risk. But as for personal grievances, hand them over to God, and you will grow like the lily and flourish like the cedars of Lebanon.
Remember, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45, NIV).
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING: Luke 6:43-45
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
1. Is there anyone you hate, resent, and speak ill of in your life?
2. Do you easily speak ill of others or do you struggle?
PRAYER
Precious Father, I ask for your forgiveness regarding anyone I have spoken ill of. I receive grace to cultivate a noble spirit, and to see the best in others at all times. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Hallelujah!
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Ezra 5, Ezra 6, Hosea 7, Acts 25, Acts 26
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