He Said to Abiathar the Priest,
David's experience teaches us the importance of waiting for God's answer and trusting in His guidance.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on the ephod during a crisis when his men considered stoning him. Despite the pressure to act quickly, David consistently inquired of the Lord, demonstrating his commitment to divine direction over human wisdom. Meyer encourages believers to wait for God's answers, which may come through various means, including circumstances and wise counsel. He reassures that those who wait on God will not be ashamed, as He will guide the meek in judgment and reveal their paths. The sermon highlights the significance of faith and patience in discerning God's will.
Text
He said to Abiathar the priest,
Bring hither the ephod. 1 Sam. xxiii. 9.
DAVID was passing through one of the most awful experiences of his life, when his men spoke of ‑stoning him instead of taking up his cause. How many times in this chapter we are informed that David inquired of the Lord! Some three or four times the appeal for direction was renewed, as though he were fearful to stir one step by the light of his own unaided wisdom. In that changeful life of his, it must have been extremely difficult to set the Lord always before him, and await Divine direction. Many a time his circumstances might seem to demand immediate action rather than prayer; and the rude soldiery must have insisted on their voice being heard rather than a priest's; but David was not deterred by one or the other, and still held to his practice of consulting the Urim and Thummim stone, set in the ephod; which was probably a splendid diamond, flashing with God's distinct "Yes," or growing cloudy and dark with his definite "No."
Let us inquire of the Lord. The answer will surely come, if we wait for it. If we are not sure of it, let us still wait, for it will come ‑‑ not so early as to save us from using our faith, not so late as to permit us to be overwhelmed. Direction will come in the growing conviction of duty, in the drift of circumstances, in the advice of friends, in the perceptions of a sanctified judgment. None that wait on God can be ashamed. Whether our duty be to arise and pursue, to sit still, or to escape ‑‑ "the meek He will guide in judgment; the meek He will teach his way." He gives us a white stone in which a name is written, which only they know who receive.
Sermon Outline
- David's Experience of God's Direction
- The Means of Receiving God's Direction
- The Promise of God's Guidance
- The Meek Will Be Guided
- The Meek Will Be Taught
- The White Stone of God's Approval
Key Quotes
“Let us inquire of the Lord. The answer will surely come, if we wait for it.” — F.B. Meyer
“Direction will come in the growing conviction of duty, in the drift of circumstances, in the advice of friends, in the perceptions of a sanctified judgment.” — F.B. Meyer
“The meek He will guide in judgment; the meek He will teach his way.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should prioritize waiting on God for direction, even when circumstances demand immediate action.
- We can trust in God's guidance, which comes through various means such as growing conviction of duty and sanctified judgment.
- The meek will be guided and taught by God, and we should strive to cultivate meekness in our lives.