Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’

Good morning! Here is today’s word of blessings for you.
1 Samuel 29:1-2, 6-10

1The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. 2 As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. 6 So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. 7 Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.” 8 “But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9 Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’ 10 Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light.”

Today’s title is “Happy To Be Rejected”

God anointed David to be king of Israel after Saul. However, David had to go through many hardships before he actually takes over the kingdom. David went through a lot of crises. But God kept him safe. God not only kept David safe but also kept him guiltless in the eyes of God and the people of Israel. David had a couple of opportunities to kill Saul. But God assured David not to kill Saul the anointed. If David had killed Saul with his own hands, it would almost look as if David usurped the royal throne by his own scheme. Not only that, God helped David avoid shedding innocent blood by sending Abigail in time. Killing innocent lives out of revenge might have tainted David’s reputation as the king of the people. We see another invisible hand of God protecting David from ruining his future reputation as the king of Israel. David who was running from Saul was still under the auspices of the king of Achish. War broke out between Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines gathered all their forces including the army of Achish. David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish obviously as a part of the greater Palestinian forces. If nothing happens, David and his people might have to fight against Israel. God’s invisible hand moves and stirs up the mind of Achish. “Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.” David pretended that he was eager to fight for Achish. “Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” But we know that he had a great sigh of relief in his heart. Achish said, “Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave in the morning as soon as it is light.”. David pretended that he reluctantly leaves Achish. But he knew that it was indeed the emancipation of the captives by God’s grace. He was more than happy to go. Have you also ever felt so happy to be rejected? If you have, it was indeed a salvation in disguise. That’s how closely God watches over us. Aren’t you glad that you are under His care?