“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him. 3 From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” 4 So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold. 5 But the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.” 1 Samuel 22.1-5
It has begun. David is now exiled from Saul which begins a long campaign of ducking, dodging and hiding. Saul is not outright in his hatred for David, it’s more masked. Jonathan knows the truth as does David. And so, David has left the palace. He went on his own to the cave of Adullam. But he doesn’t remain alone for long. Before you can blink four hundred men have gathered around him and “he became their commander.”
They were still Israelites, many men from Judah, but the tension between the two nations’ heroes – Saul and David – was palpable. David was hiding for his life. He had been anointed king of Israel even while Saul sat on the throne. Samuel might have been accused of treason, but in truth, God is the king. And so here David waits. He takes care of his parents by sending them to Moab and then receives instructions from a prophet named Gad to return to Judah. So David goes and remains in the forest of Hereth.
Much is going on. David is on the move. The gathering of the hundreds is significant. They see him not only as their leader but as their king. And all the while, David remains steadfast and faithful. He has been displaced now a few times from his home and is awaiting a promise from God made by Samuel – that one day, he would be king. And yet, with no possible way for this to happen, David waits.
Many times I have been in a holding pattern, a time of waiting. When I left 15 years of conference youth ministry, I waited to see what God had next. In the meantime, I started Movement Ministries, began a Revive youth camp, consulted for First Baptist Church (making a Truett connection), and directed the spiritual life for Faith Academy. And yet, God had something greater for me. Today I am blessed to help lead the new Wesley House of Studies startup at Truett and guide a dozen youth camps and retreats for Revive. The impact of both is significant to the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps you have been waiting during your gathering. You’ve been waiting for God to be faithful, to fulfill his promises, to renew his covenant with you. Maybe you have been lost, wandering alone, seeking what’s next. My words to you are the same words for David – God is faithful. What he said he will do – he will do. He will not leave you as orphans, but he will come to you.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to send another – the Holy Spirit of God to live and reign among us. His Spirit now lives within each believer, giving us assurance of the promise, our salvation, and filling us with grace.
Lean into His arms today. Seek God above all things. Reject the sin of the flesh and live a life worthy of the calling.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for a new day, for the beginning of Spring and the remembrance of hope. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your love and power. Allow me to walk in your newness and feel your presence in my life. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen