TEXT: PS 34 :19 ALSO 1 Sam. 22:1-2
Introduction: One afternoon a man was walking down a busy city street. He was lost in his own thought and didnt see that a live high voltage wire had fallen and was lying directly in front of him. Another man, seeing this one about to walk on the wire, tried to yell at him and warn him of the danger, but his voice was lost in the commotion of the city. Knowing that he could never get to the man in time to save him, he picked up a large stone and threw it at the man, striking him in the chest. The impact of the stone caused great pain and forced the man to stop just one step short of placing his foot on that wire. Had it not been for the pain of the stone, the man would have died.
Often, it takes adversity and trouble in our lives to get our attention. In the life of the Christian, trouble is there to help us to grow. In trouble, we learn truths about the Lord that would otherwise be unknown.
I am glad there is a place where help can be found today. Regardless of your need, there is One who stands ready to help you through your trial and affliction. Our hope lies in Jesus today and in these verses, we can find some precious truths that will keep our hearts in times of trial and affliction.
I. THE HARDSHIP THEY FACED
A. They Were Despised v. 1c (Ill. Davids family was in danger.) Those whom no one else cares about will find a friend in Jesus 1 Pet. 5:7.
B. They Were Distressed These people were filled with concern over the state of affairs in Israel and they were looking for a place of rest. Jesus said Matt. 11:28 Whether it is a struggle of faith, a trial of the flesh, or a struggle because of sin, Jesus is ready and able to help today!)
(2)
C. They Were In Debt Apparently they were indebted to Saul, and were afraid that he would try to collect by taking their lives. Ill. Many are in debt today! I am not referring to bills, I am referring to the debt of sin! But, thank God, in Jesus, again, we find the remedy to our need Col. 2:14. (Ill. Jesus sets the debtor free!)
D. They Were Discontented These folk were just plain unhappy with their lives under King Saul and they were looking for a better way.
I. THE HARDSHIP THEY FACED
II. THE HARBOR THEY FLED TO
A. A Place Of Equality v. 1a (Ill. They fled to a cave. Down there, they were all the same regardless of where they came from, or what their background was. In Davids eyes they were all equal!) Ill. Jesus When we come before Him, no one is more important than you are Acts 10:34. (By the way, we are all the same in His eyes Rm. 3:23.)
B. A Place For Everyone v. 2a (Ill. The Bible says every one came to David.) In Jesus, the door is wide open! Whosoever will may come unto Him John 3:16; Rev. 22:17.
C. A Place Of Escape v. 1c Ill. This cave was a place where these folks could forget their past and their troubles and start over with David. (Ill. Jesus offers that same kind of escape today. In him, you can escape the penalty, power and presence of sin. In Him, you can escape the pressure of troubles and trials. In Him, there is sufficient grace for every need Ill. Paul 2 Cor. 12:9-10.) (Ill. Jesus is our City of Refuge!)
Posts