Saul's Pursuit Begins

An issue that is prominent in our society, especially amongst our students is bullying. Some of us were told early in our lives a little poem that begins with “Sticks and stones may break...”

Since then we have learned about emotional damage that can be done by words, with various ideas about being tough and safe spaces. But we can all agree that when bullying goes beyond words, the impact is both emotional and physical. Saul’s actions since chapter 18 have included 2 spearing attempts at David and 1 toward Saul’s own son, Jonathan.

While we may disagree about who/what is good/bad, we cannot ignore that some unjust events are painful.

How do when respond when others intend and inflict pain on an innocent party? Today’s text reveals clearly the intent and before we are done I will point out another text about this event that indicates a proper response to unjust pain.

Transition: Let us start by moving from the ideaof bullying to a specific example of a bully.

David’s Plan to Call Out Saul’s Bullying (1 Sam 20:1-7)

David and Jonathan perceived the situation differently (vv.2-3)

v.2 Jonathan thinks he knew Saul’s intent

v.3 David perceives “there is but a step between me and death”

David realizes the threat and respects Saul’s ability to act (v.5)

Skipping a banquet could be enough to set off Saul.

Bullies can take offense where it is not intended.

Many of us in this room have experience with capricious people. Whether the person was afflicted by insecurity or addiction, many of you have experienced the paralysis of not being able to predict how a parent, coach, spouse or supervisor may act in a given situation. Most often distance becomes a first response, even if later revenge fills our thoughts.

David pleas his innocence (v.8)

“But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself”

David claims the high ground, but wisely sets distance between himself and his bully.

Transition: Since David knows the extent of Saul’s jealousy and speculates that the irrational nature of Saul’s actions may endanger his close friend, they devise a plan

Jonathan’s Plan to Communicate Saul’s Bullying (1 Sam 20:18-23)

Sports uses many different ways of communicating information. I mentioned last week how military can use hand gestures to share a plan. We’ve seen baseball coaches uses combinations of gestures, many which become mere distractions for the actual sign. Peyton Manning frequently spoke of a city in Nebraska in his cadence to communicate with his team. Following the latest State Farm commercial, some are wondering if Pat Mahommes may uses “nuggies” as a way of making an audible at the line.

A Clear, but indiscernible strategy

When I was a Sophomore in High School, the British rock band the Clash made a hit out of a simple question. Mick Jones asked the same question that filled David’s mind, “Should I stay or should I go?”

Jonathan and his servant boy act out a script where the boy has no idea what it means, but David would have no doubt regarding the answer.

Jonathan does some target practice and yells loudly if the arrows are near or far as a message for David to know if he can come near or if he should go far.

An Expected, but unwanted Message (vv.27-34)

The Banquet plays out exactly as David anticipated.

Even though it is painful to both David and Jonathan, David knows exactly how he must respond to the threat.

Transition: David knew that Jonathan could not maneuver his deliverance. David has the conviction that he will not take matters into his own hand. David knows what God has promised to him, He knows that God has appointed the King over the people of God. David is asking himself “Is this good or is this bad? All I know is it hurts!”. Remember, David was a musician. He has the ability to give words to his feelings, which is what he does in the 59thPsalm.

David’s Psalm to Counter Saul’s Bullying (Psalm 59)

The Desperation of the Situation (Ps 59:1-4a)

Psalm 59:1–4 ESV:2016

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; 2 deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3 For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, 4 for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see!

The Desire of the Victim (Ps 59:4b-5)

1. God act!

Psalm 59:4–5 ESV:2016

4 for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! 5 You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah

Stop, think about that, let it ring in the air.

2. Death is not enough (v.11)

Psalm 59:11 ESV:2016

11 Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield!

3. David wants God’s glory magnified (13b)

Psalm 59:13 ESV:2016

13 consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah

The Declaration of Trust (PS 59:8-10)

David is able to not take revenge because of his unwavering faith.

Psalm 59:8–10 ESV:2016

8 But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. 9 O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

When facing a difficult situation, one option is to PIVOT.

Show https://youtu.be/n67RYI_0sc0?si=d7C8ocOBQRLIkoEW In the stairway there was no more room to pivot, but the next time you encounter a bully, I believe Pivoting just may make a difference.

Pray about your Perception (2 Cor 9:8)

1. Naioth is described in 1 Sam 19 as a compound where Samuel trained prophet school (similar to a Seminary).

2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV:2016

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2. God will act

3. God may adjust your perception

Invite trusted friends into your struggle (Prov 11:14)

Proverbs 11:14 ESV:2016

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Your business doesn’t need to be on social media, the beauty shop or the cafe, but trusted close friends or wise advisors can give clarity.

Voice your genuine need to God (PS 59:1-4)

David doesn’t sugarcoat or deny the real situation.

Honesty with God permits His actions to be recognized by you.

Offer yourself to God’s good plan (Ps 40:8)

Psalm 40:8 ESV:2016

8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

1. Daniel 3:18 – Daniel’s 3 friends resolve not to disobey God.

2. John 6:68 – Peter admits Jesus is the only person who is worth following

Trust God to work all things to the good (Rom 8:28)

Romans 8:28 ESV:2016

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What is the good that David calls for? That they may know that God rules.

Conclusion:

The fiercest bully you will ever face in your life is described as one who is willing to steal, kill and destroy.

Saul believed he could bring an end to David. Satan may be whispering in your ear that you are done. Whenever you are tempted to become discouraged that Satan is bullying you, it is time to Pivot – Voice your need for God, Offer yourself to His Lordship, and Trust that Jesus’ death is sufficient for God to make good out of Satan’s lie.

Song of Response #333... “His Way with Thee” Benediction: 2 Corinthians 2:14–15 (ESV:2016) —14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

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