The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 30 October 2024 — Success Attracts Envy
TOPIC: Success Attracts Envy
READ: 1 Samuel 18: 1-16(NKJV)
- Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
- Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore.
- Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
- And Jonathan took off the robe that [was] on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.
- So David went out wherever Saul sent him, [and] behaved 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.
- Now it had happened as they were coming [home,] when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments.
- So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”
- Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [only] thousands. Now [what] more can he have but the kingdom?”
- So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
- And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played [music] with his hand, as at other times; but [there was] a spear in Saul’s hand.
- And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.
- Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul.
- Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
- And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD [was] with him.
- Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him.
- But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
THE MESSAGE
As a result of David’s military prowess, Saul’s son, Jonathan, became a very close friend of David and also gave him gifts. Saul even promoted David as his military commander. Trouble started for David when women sang and danced to welcome King Saul after the victory over the Philistines. Saul was angry that the women ascribed to David ten thousands and to himself only thousands of dead philistines. Saul became envious of David and attempted to kill him with his spear twice but David escaped unhurt. Thereafter, Saul’s jealousy of David made him demote David to a captain of a thousand troops. David, however, behaved wisely and was loved by the people because the Lord was with him. It is important to note that some people will not be happy with your progress or success in life.
Some may criticise you when you are successful. Others may become jealous and plan to hurt or destroy you. Walk in wisdom, discharge your duties diligently as David and do not return evil for evil. Trust the Lord to preserve you (Psa. 16: 1) and call upon Him to save you (Psalm 18: 3), and He will deliver you from those who hate you and are stronger than you (Psalm 18: 17).
PRAYER: Father Lord, please do not allow your blessings cause people to envy me.
