Devotion Corner

1 Samuel 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

At this point in David’s life, he had fled to the cave of Adullam, taking refuge from the murderous plots of King Saul. Though David had been nothing but a faithful servant unto Saul, Saul desired his death none the less. And so, as David was taking refuge in this cave in the wilderness, four hundred other men joined him. They knew of David’s innocence and humble, noble heart, and looked to him to bring them hope in their own discontented lives. In the years that followed, many of these same forlorn men became part of David’s mighty men of valour, those most dedicated and trusted servants who enjoyed prestige in his royal court.

All this foreshadows the Lord Jesus Christ. For Christ came unto His own, but they did not receive Him (John 1:11). Yet it was those who were discontented of heart who sought Him out, travelling hundreds of miles sometimes just to be with the one they knew in their hearts to be true, good, humble and righteous. Those same discontented souls would become mighty souls of valour, those who stepped forward in spiritual warfare in the name of their King, the Lord Jesus Christ. And so, it is they who now stand in prestige and privilege in the royal courts of Heaven, adoring their Good Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, forever.

We all need search out this Good Captain, for we are all just like those men who sought out David the cave of Adullam. For we are all debtors, debtors of sin before a thrice holy God, unable to free ourselves of its great burden. Yet those humble, weary souls looked to the anointed king that was David for hope from their plight, and this is exactly what all sinful hearts are to do also. They are to come to the anointed King of kings that is Jesus Christ, recognising that He alone can deliver them from their debt of sin. 

Just as David received those broken men that day, the Lord will also receive such broken and contrite hearts and make them dear unto His own heart, all through His shed blood at the Cross of Calvary, cleansing them of their sins forever. Amen.