365 Reflections

For a second time in the book of 1 Samuel and only 2 chapters removed from the first event, David is given the opportunity to take Saul's life. Yet for a second time, he will not take the bait and trust his life and times to the providential hand of God. 1 Samuel 26:8–11 (ESV) Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” I don't know if I would have exercised the same self-control David does here. He is a man of the word. ...

Genesis 40:23   Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:1 After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed..., Genesis 41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” The white space between Genesis 40:23 and Genesis 41:1 is where a lot of Christians are living. Joseph must have agonized these two years in ways we can only imagine. Some of us have waited longer than two years for God's promises to come to pass. Some of us are still waiting. Having successfully interpreted the dreams of the cup bearer and chief baker of Pharaoh, and having implored the cup bearer for kindness on his behalf Joseph is left forgotten to languish for two more years in prison for something he didn't do. And this after he compassionately attended to this man while he was in prison.  It teaches us a few things about Christian hope.  #1. To do God's will and serve others is not to expect immediate quid pro qu...