DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 17:32 to 18:5; Isaiah 58; Romans 4:1-22
And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16
Saul had been searching daily for David, but could not find him, for God was protecting him (1 Sam. 23:14). Yet, Jonathan easily located David when he journeyed into the forest of Ziph. What was the difference? Jonathan loved David and desired to encourage him to do the will of God, while Saul hated David and sought to kill him. God oversees such things. He blesses selfless love and despises selfish hatred. The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God and hatred is murder committed in the heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). —W. A. H.
And from my smitten heart, with tears, two wonders I confess:
The wonders of His glorious love, and my own worthlessness.
—Elizabeth C. Clephane