August 12, 2020
What does it say?
Saul accused Ahimelech and the priests of conspiring to help David take over the throne.
What does it mean?
Filled with rage and jealousy, Saul ordered the execution of Ahimelech and all the priests that were with him. Saul had become so jealous of David that he was able to justify in his own mind the killing of innocent people. Blinding hatred for David resulted in a callous disregard for justice. This chapter is a stark reminder of the potentially disastrous effects of long-term, unaddressed sin.
How should I respond?
Sin, in any form, has negative effects. As with the original fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin causes death. Without the blood of Christ as atonement, sin means eternal spiritual death. But sin has deadly results, even in the life of a believer. It may be the death of a relationship, peace, or joy. Where sin exists, death follows. That’s why God instructs us to deal with sin swiftly and not allow it to fester. Otherwise, the lasting outcomes could prove devastating. What sin have you allowed to have sanctuary in your life? What is its root cause – jealousy, pride, greed? Confess it, and then move forward in the grace and mercy given to you by God through Christ.