A Tale of Two Kings part thirteen

The Body of Christ, those who really are His, are rising up out of the bondage of Religion all over the world and are “being” the church, not “having church”. As David spent his time in the wilderness, as Moses did and Paul did and even Jesus, so are we. We are truly today in a spiritual wasteland. In many towns and cities, one cannot even find one fellowship free of religious bondage. so we compromise and say to ourselves, “It’s better than nothing”. See my book “Freedom from Babylon” for more on this subject. Email me at csmttk@juno.com for a copy. (cost $10).
As the religious spirit tries to pursue you saint – guard your heart. Like David, don’t respond to their hate by hating them back. In chapter 24:5 (of 1 Samuel), “David’s heart smote him”. Because his heart smote him, Saul never did. If we have the right heart and attitude towards our enemies, they too will not be able to touch us. But notice this – David is deceived when he still calls Saul ((24:6) “The anointed of the Lord”, remember 18:12? At this point, Saul is no longer God’s anointed but David still loves and respects him (though he’s no longer with him). David gives Saul wise counsel and exposes a reason for Saul’s downfall in 24:9 – “Wherefore hearest thou men’s words”? Men’s words are flesh and death, the opposite of God’s words, spirit and life. Jesus knew what was in men and would not receive their honor or counsel. Even from Peter, for God knows man is Satan’s channel through which he operates here on earth “get thee behind me Satan”. Still, before the end, Saul finally sees the light – in 24:17 he confesses to David “thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil”, yet like many today, they see the truth but do not act on it, for Saul still continues to hunt David. Yet we would be wise to follow David's example. Like David, we should flee from ungodly "Saul" pastors and churches but also like David, we should continue to respect them and love them and hope and pray for their best. We should desire freedom for all caught in religious bondage and seek to do them no harm. We should not hunt and persecute them the way they do us.
Chapter 25 is a clear depiction of despising God’s anointed prophets and apostles or anyone with the anointing. In the wilderness, David behaved himself honorably and protected a man named Nabal’s flocks and men. Nabal means “fool” and he represents all the pastors who reject the apostles and prophets God sends to them. When David asks for help from Nabal, when he seeks sustenance, Nabal questions David’s identity and credentials (25:10) – “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? Many apostles today have to endure this, “who are you?” “You think you’re an apostle?” “You’re self promoted”, Don’t call yourself an apostle, etc. “Shall I take my bread and water and flesh and give it unto men whom I know not whence they be?” My people, this is a great wickedness in the sight of God that is very common in churches today. God teaches us to be “careful to entertain strangers”, to follow the example our Father Abraham set when he took in the three strangers and fed them. When Jesus commends the sheep in Matthew 25, he says “I was a stranger and you took me in”, yet in many churches if you show up and they “know not whence you be”, they will not accept you or the gifts (of the Spirit) you bring. You are despised and dishonored, not welcomed and honored. These fellowships have more faith in the devil to come in and curse them then they do in God to send someone to bless them. We need to know those who come among us, whether a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a blessing from God. It grieves the Lord and will lead to the death of their ministry. They will end up as Saul did. Or in this example, Nabal.
You know the story. Nabal’s wife Abigail, placates David’s wrath and saves her husband and his whole house, at least all “who pisseth against the wall”. She even prophecies over David, giving him more than physical food. Quite a lady! David sets a good example for us in that he heeds her soft words and turns away his wrath. He can take counsel and wisdom, not just dish it out. But in verse 36 we glimpse the truth that “when they say peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh upon them”. Nabal, like many pastors, is comfortable in his house (his church), eating and drinking and carrying on with no idea he’s about to die. He has absolutely no wisdom when it comes to judging himself, his own heart or ministry. They are a reflection of the coming judgments on America and indeed, the whole world. They are all on the brink of great destruction. First their hearts will be judged and found unable to receive the Lord any longer, then “and it came to pass that the Lord smote Nabal that he died”.
David blesses God for this “for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head”. “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord”. We must love our enemies but all must realize they will reap what they sow. God will not be mocked. David then takes Abigail as his wife, pleasing God because he’s caring for a widow. As he gains a wife he loses one, for Saul goes back on his word to David and gives Michal to another.