Title: Under the Shadow/Topic: God's Protection

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:18-24
18 When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. 19 Word came to Saul: "David is in Naioth at Ramah"; 20 so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied. 21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" "Over in Naioth at Ramah," they said.
23 So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. 24 He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel's presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

Observation: Can there be a better picture of being protected by the presence of God than this story? It brings to my mind the phrase out of Psalms where David speaks of being “under the shadow of thy wings” as he is praising the Lord. God makes even the people seeking David's life to fall under his presence as they approach the place where David and Samuel, along with others, are prophesying. Saul even strips off his kingly robes, setting aside the signs of his earthly office of authority. Only the Lord is honored as King in this gathering!

Application: There is such power and protection for me when I remain in the presence of God, especially with others who are also abiding in that same place. I need to foster that in my life and the lives of others. As God's people, we should be always seeking and expecting that the Spirit will be in our midst covering us in the shadow of His wings.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to us. It is the means by which we sense that you are with us! May I, as well as all your people, live in such a way that we experience your Presence with us all the time.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.