Divine Subtraction

David Losses In Order To Gain

2 Samuel 1:19 ““The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!” David’s reaction to learning the death of Saul and Jonathan.

David suffers a number of losses in 1 Samuel 21 and 22

There were things he was leaning on

He had established a large support system.

He was doing so well. In the palace, friends with the prince, married to the daughter of the king, and promoted to commander of an army.

popularity, people, pride (self respect, accomplishments, self-esteem)

Where would you be without others love, support, encouragement, fellowship, guidance, (these are not crutches or safety nets, but God has given us them as helps)

David Flees to Gath

His support systems are taken away and David hits rock bottom.

1 Samuel 21:13 “So he changed his behavior before them, pretended madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard.”

He had nothing else to lean on. He played the “madman”

Foolishness.

David In the Cave Of Addulam

1 Samuel 22:1–2 “David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.” David proved even at his lowest moments he was a true leader. Similar to Jesus on the cross.

Are you a sanctuary for someone in distress? Minister out of your weakness. The true cost of discipleship.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is our Sanctuary.

Families Safety Taken Away

1 Sa 22:3-5 David moves his parents to Moab (Grandmother Ruth’s land)

They are safe. Taking care of family lets his mind be less distracted to face situations

The Divine Mathematics of Subtraction

Why does God do this? He removes our systems of support to be Himself our rock.

In order to make a “man after His Own heart.”

Does your support take the place of God?

Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’”

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”

2. Does your support prevent you from looking up?

Navel gazing is common when we forget Who is our God.

Are you clinging to your possessions, friends, pile of money for your security?

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

3. Our support systems are temporary at best. We outgrow our crutches.

Our plans can and will fail. Learn to lean of God, He will never fail.

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

Doeg: The Tale of a Tattler

Approbation lust leads him to the throne room.

1 Samuel 21:7 “Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. And his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul.”

1 Samuel 22:9 “Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, and said, “I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.”

Ahimilech and the entire city of priests, Nob 1 Samuel 22:18–19 “And the king said to Doeg, “You turn and kill the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod. Also Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, oxen and donkeys and sheep—with the edge of the sword.”

The consequences of following someone’s approbation lust is disastrous.

Psalm 34 A Psalm of David When He Pretended Madness Before Abimelech, Who Drove Him Away, and He Departed.

Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:6 “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.”

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.”

Psalm 34:11 “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”

Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”

Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”