06/08/2021 - SAMUEL’S DEATH

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Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran. 1 Samuel 25.1

Like everyone born into this world, Samuel grew up, became an adult, received a mission from the Lord, carried it out with love and dedication, and then died. The lost still don’t know that there is a divine plan for them. Therefore, they don’t even look for the Creator of the Universe. Now, this Being that we know as God can solve the problems of mankind through a simple act: faith in the Word (Romans 10:17; Heb. 11:1).

Without a doubt, the departure of Samuel, who meant a lot to David, was a huge blow, for this loss was practically irreplaceable. However, David got up and continued with his struggle to avoid being killed by Saul, who harbored a deadly hatred for him. The days for Jesse´s son were difficult. Only in the deserts he found protection. He had done nothing to be hunted down in this way, except that he had been chosen to reign in Saul’s place.

The children of Israel gathered for Samuel’s burial, but David couldn’t go to the ceremony. If he did, he would be killed by the crazed king. However, at least twice, David could have taken Saul’s life, but he only didn’t do it because he knew that Saul was anointed by the Lord (1 Samuel 24.6; 26.16). Never dare to speak out against or harm the one who has the anointing of God upon him.

There are things that deeply hurt and sadden us; this must have happened numerous times to David. Living in the desert is hard, for it is full of poisonous animals; there aren’t fruitful trees in that arid and hostile place. But God chose the deserts to teach the son of Jesse to love Him – to have and keep the commandments – and to be loved by Him as well. This was the preparation to make him the best king of Israel.

We won’t be good servants if we don’t pass through the deserts of life, full of people who hate us, because we love them and want their eternal salvation. Many are so immersed in the devil’s works that they even persecute us. Why does man give himself so much to material things, turning away from the Almighty? May the Lord guide us and use us – that should be our prayer!

David headed to the wilderness of Paran – another one in his collection of inhospitable environments. There, he sought God with all his heart, fleeing from the furious king. When you find yourself in a similar situation, take this golden opportunity to serve the Most High with all your heart. In times of distress and perplexity, we live the best of times next to our loving Father and our Savior. The Holy Spirit will guide us in the Truth.

David lived as a nomad, hiding to preserve his life. It was in one of these “seminars” that he understood and wrote: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18.2). Thank you, Jesus, for the seminars!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares