LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL
BURN THE IDOLS LEFT BEHIND
9TH , APRIL 2022
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 Samuel 16 - 18
READ:
1 Chronicles 14:8-12
8
And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all
Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of
it, and went out against them.
9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
11 So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.
12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
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MEMORISE: "And when they left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire . " – 1 Chronicles 14:12
EXPOSITION
After David's enthronement and establishment over Israel, envious enemies, that time around, the Philistines, came challenging him (1 Chro. 14:8,9). Victory over a challenge introduces another. The presence of challenges doesn't mean one is devoid of God's presence; it only affords Him opportunities to prove and promote His supremacy over Satan and his advances, in and through one's life.
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David knew the right Place to go for help (God's Presence), and called for His help (v. 10). Where do you approach in times of challenges (Psa. 46:1; 121:1ff)? He fought the battle in God's name and strategy, got the victory accordingly, and returned the glory to God (1 Chro. 14:11). Who takes the glory of your exploits (cf. Isa. 42:8)? But something happened that we must learn from.
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The defeated Philistines, some of whom were put to flight, abandoned their gods as they fled (v. 12a). Such idols, if left untouched or undealt with could become snares to the people in the future. Allowing them to remain could suggest David's subtle love for, and interest in them. Moreover, if the idols were left there, it is likely the people could have resorted to them for pleasure, or in pain/problems, and that could have incurred God's wrath on them.
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The above must have informed why David quickly commended his men to burn them with fire (v. 12b). Allowing the devil and his instruments to stay and fester/flourish is tantamount to committing suicide in the cruellest and crudest way (Eph. 4:27). Those who have tried that in the past had themselves to blame. Beware of those things that come in the wake of your victories/successes. Not all of these are God-glorifying. Be discerning, and never be careles, lest you be ensnared by gods (idols in whatever forms) the defeated enemies left behind to ensnare you (2 Cor. 2:11).
PRAYER POINT:
1. Thank God for the victories, successes and breakthroughs He has been granting you.
2. Pray for the grace to be sensitive enough not to fall in the devil's traps.
3. Pray for the Church to be discerning enough as not to fall into snares the so-called 'big catches' can set before her after 'conversion.'
DO HAVE A BLESSED DAY
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