I´m dwelling these mornings on some instructive incidents in the life of David, i.e. from his days of humiliations and Saul´s satanic hatred against him in circumstances unsteady and insecure.  I was arrested by the words from 1 Sam. 23:28-29 written at least for my own instruction (Rom. 15:4).

At a crucial point or at a crucial place we read that this very place was "the Rock of Escape".  That wonderful name points of course to "the spiritual Rock", Christ, (1 Cor. 10:4)  chasing David and God´s people in many "unkind" circumstances and in  wonderful way. 

Matthew Henry, whom I time and again "consult" at the warm recommendation of C.H. Spurgeon, puts it in this helpful way, "When the Philistines  invaded the land they were far from intending any kindness to David by it, yet the overruling providence of God, which orders all events and the times of them, made it very serviceable to him."

"How does it work in your life?" you may ask.  Well, now you humble me!  For I have often been tempted to say like Jacob, "All this has come against me!"  (Gen. 42:36), and yet it´s still true, that "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

I also notice another precious "feature".  It says that "David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi"  (1.Sam. 22:29).  In Danish it says, "he went up to the rocky hills".  It speaks to my heart about doing likewise which is the day by day challenge to see myself by faith "in the heavenlies" enthroned with Christ." (Eph. 2:6).

Despite our failures we still have our rocky stronghold. Even if we wanted to sin is not our master.  David was not a catholic saint.  There were many blunders too. Nay, like in your and my life. And yet contrary to Saul, sin had no dominion over him, he being under the power of grace (Ro. 6:14).  It´s true of every born again believer saved by "the Rock of Escape!"

July 1, 2019 - jn