In Spite of Failures

John 19:1-27

Triumph of David

David’s triumph does not come easily. Victories in life are rarely easy. They generally come after many difficulties and failures.

Saul said to David, ‘May you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph’ (26:25).

It is tragic to see how far Saul had fallen. At one stage he was the Spirit-filled man of God, getting rid of evil from the land. Now he finds himself consulting the very witches he has expelled (chapter 28). Yet verse 19 suggests that even in the Old Testament there were the beginnings of the knowledge of life after death, and that in spite of all he had done, the Lord saved Saul – ‘tomorrow you and your sons will be with me’ (28:19).

We also see the worst side of David’s character. He joins the Philistines, lives by deceit and murders women and children (chapter 27). He has to sink to the lowest depths to hide what he is doing. The picture the Bible paints of David is far from perfect, and yet God uses him despite his failings and failures.

On the other hand, we also see David at his best. David had an opportunity to take revenge on Saul, who was trying to kill him. However, David refused to take revenge. He had great respect for Saul, because he was in a position of authority.

He says, ‘Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? … The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed’ (26:9,11).

David stayed loyal and faithful to Saul despite the fact that Saul was trying to murder him. We need to follow David’s example and refuse to be led into sin in an attempt to break free of a person’s authority over us.

Even Saul recognises David’s ‘righteousness and faithfulness’ (v.23). Saul sees that he ‘will do great things and surely triumph’ (v.25).

The life of David teaches us not to expect instant success and triumph. Often, God prepares us through the years of obscurity, difficulty and even defeat or failure. It is in these times of testing that, like David, we must not act out of revenge but rather with love, honour and respect.

Lord, thank you for the example of David. Thank you that you used him so powerfully in spite of the fact that, like us all, he had many failings. Help us to triumph over evil. Thank you that it is only possible through the triumph of Jesus, on the cross and in his resurrection."

1. You have always given a message that reminds me how to behave in this cruel world. Thank You.

2. Thank You for activities that make the brain work such as learning new languages.

3. Thank You for nurturing the seeds that have been planted, for touching souls. Hallelujah!