Fall 1986
The Long Way Part 2.
Sergio Valori

When Israel demanded a King to judge them like all other nations, God hearkened to their voice and chose a man for them. Thus, Saul was quickly given a position as King without the opportunity of preparation for it. It is not surprising that his reign was marked by immediate failure and rejection b the Lord. How true is God's Word in declaring, "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed" Proverbs 20:21.

How often have we seen the tragic results of man reaching for positions of ministry and authority without regard to preparation or qualification. This without doubt, is one of the factors most responsible for the continuous failure of human government. Like Lucifer, man today is still attempting to climb to the heights in illegal fashion. It is sad to note that the pursuit of this folly can be seen in the Church, as well as in the world.

A different order will characterize the Kingdom of God. Those who are selected to share the throne with Christ will have qualified for this. Not everyone will be allowed access to this realm. In Matt 20:20-23, the mother of James and John learned that a place of rulership in the Kingdom could not be had, simply for the asking. Jesus indicated that a qualifying was involved when he replied, "Are ye able to drink of the cup...and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with...?" Further in the discourse he states, "Those places are reserved for the persons that my Father selects" (verse 23,L.B). Needless to say, the Father will not select arbitrarily, but on the basis of one's qualifications.

In Saul is seen man's way of position without preparation. But, in David is exemplified God's way of preparation before position is granted. From his days as a shepherd boy, and through all the years of persecution by Saul, David was being molded by the hand of God. In his relationship to Jesse, we see the development of submission and obedience. In tending the flock, he learned responsibility, and became willing even to lay down his life to save the lambs. In Saul's service, he behaved himself wisely, ministering with the harp to Saul's troubled soul, serving faithfully as amour bearer, and very ably leading all the men of war. In all these things, valuable training and preparation was taking place, equipping God's man for a place of rulership.

In the long years of persecution which followed, many vital lessons were to be learned. Exposed to constant threats and relentless pressure, David learned to rely on the Lord for preservation and deliverance. God became his refuge, his rock, and his shield. He learned to depend on God for wisdom and direction. Every area of self had to be dealt with, so that only the purity of God's nature would issue forth from His throne (Rev 22:1). Thus, God's candidate for the Throne had to drink of the cup of suffering and be refined by a Baptism of Fire.

Whereas the way man takes is often the way of power without regard to principle, God's way is that of power harnessed to principle. The events recorded in 1 Samuel, Chapters 24, 25, and 26 show us how God dealt with David to make him a man of principle.

First, he was tempted to take a short-cut to the Throne by being presented with an opportunity to slay Saul. Those who were with him saw it as the Lord's arrangement. With one stroke of the sword, he could bring an end to all the persecution and open the door to the Throne. But, David had, no doubt, heard a principle of truth concerning the Lord's anointed. Restrained by this in-part knowledge, he could but cut off a piece of Saul's robe. The Spirit's conviction of David's heart shows that even this was done in David's own strength, and that further dealings were necessary.

Four times in 1 Samuel, Chapter 24 David vows not to lift up his hand against Saul. But, it is one thing to verbalize a principle, and quite another to have it established in our character. In the next Chapter, (25), David is exposed to another similar test. When the foolish Nabal abused David's young men and scoffed at his request for help, David reacted in great anger and determined to get revenge. Even though he had vowed not to use his own strength against Saul, he was now ready to take matters into his own hand against Nabal. But, God's eye was upon his chosen vessel, and He would deal with him thoroughly. He would not permit the element of revenge to operate in His Throne. The man in His Throne will have learned God's ways and will become the perfect expression of His character and authority.

Once again, David's heart was smitten through the word of Abigail. He recognized the Lord's intervention and accepted correction. Beloved, it takes time for God's law to be written in our hearts and in our minds. There is no magic formula which can transform us into men and women of character and make us fit for the Kingdom. It requires growth and maturity, through a process of learning and chastening.

In 1 Samuel, Chapter 26, David meets his final test on the principle which God was seeking to establish in his character. God had arranged the test by causing a deep sleep to fall upon Saul, making him an easy prey. Those around him encouraged David not to miss this opportunity to rid himself of his enemy. But David passed the test. He firmly declared, "The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed..." 1 Sam 26:11. "...let m (the Lord) deliver me out of all tribulation" 1 Sam 26:24b.

An important principle had now been established in David's life. He would carry it with him all the way to the throne. God was pleased in seeing that in His man, power would now be harnessed to principle, and would not be abused. In David, the testimony and honor of the Lord's name would be upheld. David was now a step closer to occupying the Throne of the Lord.

Let us allow the "workings of the Lord" to have their way in our lives, that we may be prepared to be with Him in His Throne. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set downwith my Father in His Throne" Rev 3:21.