Topic: Those you help may not help you
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:33-59.
Memory Verse: “Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.” 1 Samuel 23:12 (KJV)
The people of Keilah were besieged by the Philistines and they could have destroyed them and their belongings but David came to their aid. He and his men fought and defeated the Philistines and set Keilah free. However, Saul heard that David was there and he was happy that he would go and get him there because the town had gates and bars. Being human, David expected the people he had just saved to reciprocate and save him from Saul but when he asked of God, the reply was shocking.
In 1 Samuel 23:12 (KJV), “Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.” Having heard this, he quickly escaped from the town. Though David saved them, the people of Keilah were not ready to reciprocate this gesture and that is what happens in real life. Those you assist, may not be willing to help you when the chips are down. That is not excuse for you not to help others. Remember in this case, David asked God if he should help the people and He told him to go ahead despite the fact that He knew they will not help him in future. So do not look unto men for favour or help but always “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (KJV).
He made a way of escape for David, He will do more for you in times of your need. This is why it’s important you seek the face of God always before you take any decision. Stop assuming based on your human feelings but ask God. Jesus says in Luke 11:9 (KJV), “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Even king Saul himself was saved by David when he had the opportunity to kill him and even his men asked him to kill the king but he didn’t instead he cut the hem of his garment to prove to him that he was not after him. ( 1 Samuel 24:3-6). Inspite of that Saul still chased after him to kill him ( 1 Samuel 26:1-3). So, do not expect that people will reward you for the good you do to them even when it is in their capacity to do so. Only God can reward you and that is why you need to love everyone including your enemies with the love of God such that you will not be bitter when they disappoint you.
Prayer point:
Father, I will look unto you at all times and not unto any man for help.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero