1 Samuel 20:1-42. 1 Samuel 21:1-15
'... David said to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has sent me on a secret mission and told me to not tell anyone else about it ..."' 1Sa 21:2.
David's deceitful actions were to cost the life of innocent Ahimelech. In our readings, others who were involved in deceit included: Saul, towards David; Jonathan, towards Saul; and David, towards Achish, king of Gath.
Is there ever any justification for deceitfulness? If dishonesty for self-gain is involved there is no justification. But if I should know someone is guilty of an as yet undisclosed sin, I can either speak (or gossip!) about it and cause further hurt that will also harm others, or I can keep quiet about it in order to protect any who would be harmed by disclosures (technically deceitful, but also caring, which carries God's approval).
Here's something else: David's deceit was for personal benefit, but the ripples spread wide and, because of Doeg, cost the lives of the priest and most of his family. But David did not learn from this. Later, he again used deceit for personal benefit in the murder of Uriah the Hittite, trying to cover his adultery with Bathsheba. This time God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his ongoing deceitfulness.
If we repeat certain sins God brings us to book so that, like David, we have the opportunity to confess and say, 'I have sinned!' (2 Samuel 12:13). For Believers confession is spiritually therapeutic!
John 9:1-41
'I do the work God sent me to do while there is opportunity, for the end is coming after which it will no longer be possible to work' (v.4, my paraphrase).
There is no guarantee that we will see another sunrise. We might die today, but it could also be that the Lord returns, signifying the end of this age. Either way is OK for Believers!
However, if God chooses to allow us to continue with earthly life for a while longer then we should follow the example set by Jesus. Let us get on with the business of witnessing to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour, Who died for the sins of the world, so that whosoever believes in him shall have everlasting life and live with God forever in His Kingdom.
Maranatha (even so, come Lord Jesus).
Psalm 113:1-9
Praise the LORD. You servants of the LORD, praise the Lord; praise the name of the LORD. (v.1).
There is no greater ministry for Believers than to worship Almighty God!
Psalm 114:1-8
Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, ... the God of Jacob, Who turned rock into water, and flint into a fountain of waters (vv.7,8). (My paraphrase).
Believers, rejoice in God, for He can turn the hardest of situations into fountains of blessing!
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