Jessie sent his son David to check on his three oldest sons who had followed Saul to war. He sent food with him and requested that he bring a report back to him.
David arrived at the camp, left his grain, bread and cheese with the keeper of the supplies, and went to the front lines to greet his brothers. David heard the giant, Goliath make his threats causing all Israel to run in fear. David began to question the men concerning the Philistine giant. As he did his oldest brother began to belittle him and he burned with anger toward David. Eliab asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (I Samuel 17:28b) David's response to those words is understandable. "Now what have I done? Can't I even speak?" (I Samuel 17:29)
David had come to bring food to his brothers, check on their well-being and take a report back to their father. Eliab's words were completely wrong, but I am sure his words stung. When family members mistreat us, it is more painful even that the wounds caused by others.
David did not let his brother's hurtful words deter him. He did what his father asked him to do and then he did what God called him and equipped him to do - kill the Philistine giant, Goliath!
Don't let a family member, friend, or others deter you from carrying out God's mission for you. Don't let their discouraging and hurtful words keep you from being obedient to God's calling. Don't let them cause you to miss the blessing of obedience.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22b)
Kay, this is so true....I sit here and my heart aches from words from a family member. I can only pray for them to have peace...being a parent hurts alot!!
ReplyDeleteI so needed this devotional message today. Yes, for whatever reason it hurts more coming from a family member. Thank you for keeping us on the right path to receive God's blessings! Pat
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