Is Running Away an Option? 1 Samuel 27

Have you ever said, that’s it? It’s too hard, I am out of here. You have run away. Maybe you have run from a situation where it was dangerous for you to stay and rightly you packed your bags. We have been seeing that play out for the poor population of Ukraine. What do you do, especially as a person of faith? You know God loves you, you believe there are promises of the Lord’s blessing over your life. You have not dropped out your faith, but the situation has been so unbearable that to stay is more than unwise; it’s dangerous.

Background for our chapter: Samuel the Judge and prophet had died. Saul had been ruling for a number of years, but he had not honoured the Lord from the heart. David was anointed by Samuel. David was installed into Saul’s army as a commander and Saul got jealous of his victories. David was on the run from Saul.

Saul tried to attack him a number of times. David escaped every time. Once, he escaped to a cave. Saul was chasing after him. Saul went and relieved himself in the same cave where David and his men were hiding. David cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. David told Saul how close he came to death. Saul said he wouldn’t keep chasing after him, but he did. One night, Saul was asleep and David and Abishai – another of David’s men, took Saul’s spear and a jug of water from near him while they slept. David called out. Saul woke up, repented. David returned the spear. David was on the run from Saul for a number of years.

Running and rebellion. There is running away and there is rebellion. You may feel the need to run: protection, safety, escape. But what about when it involves running and working with an enemy? We can all justify this, can’t we? What we are really saying in these situations is, my situation is out of God’s care or control.

David was anointed king by Samuel, but God had been the one who sought out David even before his 7 older brothers. Was there ever a possibility that the Lord’s will would not be done? Can God’s will be thwarted? God had determined that David would be the king of Israel. Was it ever a possibility that God made a mistake or that He was somehow unable to fulfill His promises?

David ran to Achish, the King of Gath, the premier city of the Philistines. He asked for protection in the city of Ziklag, which was under Philistine rule; a walled city for protection. David remained in this situation for a year and 4 months. (verse 7) He and his 600 men basically turned into bandits and raided other areas to the south that weren’t part of Judah. For this almost year and a half, David the sweet Psalmist of Israel wrote no Psalms, no songs to the Lord, no new revelation, no worship to give praise for; just living in rebellion. How do we do this?

Yes, I am a Christian. I love Jesus, but I’m not going to read my Bible, even though it’s the Word of truth and the truth sets you free; I’ll remain in my own straight jacket of sin. I’m a Christian, but I can’t be bothered with church. After all, I’m saved by grace, not church attendance: more living in Ziklag. (Hebrews 10:25) “Do not forsake the gathering together as is the manner of some.” Why? The writer to the Hebrews explains, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”

Does the thought of hell bother you? This is what the writer to the Hebrews was saying. Regardless of what your mouth has said, your actions speak louder. Can I tell you something….Satan’s theology is far better than yours. Knowing about the stories in the Bible, knowing some of the words that Jesus said, does not save you. Jesus said we are known by our fruit. You are known by what you do. (John 15:4-6) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

When we run from God, we fight God’s purpose and people. David was fronting up to do the same. In 1 Samuel 29, David and his men offered themselves to fight against Israel alongside the armies of the Philistines. You imagine this, the man whom the Lord had anointed as king of Israel was about to fight Israel in battle. Through God’s mercy, using the other Philistine lords, they were wary of David’s presence, David was not allowed to go into battle. Modern day examples of this are people who are raised in faith and then slowly fade away from faith. Deconstruction happens to the point where they become more than a bad ad against the Lord’s work, but they actively work to pull it down. Non-attendance is one thing, but that is the start of a cooling of the heart.

There are many modern examples. I have appreciated John Piper’s ministry for many years. Some of you have probably listened to him as well. Piper has a son called Abraham. He has 1 million Tic Tok followers and makes videos like this…

I have many examples just like this. You do too, no doubt. Jesus said this regarding people who know stuff about Him, Eg Bible stories like Abraham Piper here, “And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.” (Luke 12:47) I believe there are many sound responses that could be given to even what Abraham Piper says here. Regardless of whether we believe in Jesus or whether we agree with Him, the issue is truth. Is it true!? Truth needs to be dealt with, regardless of whether we agree with it or not. Truth is personified in Christ: He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Ultimately our running away from truth can ever only be for a season.

Sometimes there is a legitimate seeking after safety. Jesus said in Matthew 24 that those who are under persecution will flee to the mountains.

But never run from Truth. Ultimately that is what abides and remains for eternity. David eventually by God’s grace was installed as the King of Israel after Saul’s demise. Jesus is called David’s greater Son. He is the King of Heaven and Earth.

Are you on the run in any way? Can I encourage you there is better way? Because we can only run for so long.

Rather than running, how about walking? Walking with Christ; simply submitting yourself to Him and his Word; not just saying, but doing and encouraging others to do the same.

Eventually, the running stops one way or another. Face your fears our failures with the One who is known as the Restorer, the Healer, The God of Grace and Truth. Start investing time in doing it. There is always a reason to keep running. Jesus has run the ultimate race for you, by going to the cross, being raised from the dead. Ask that His Word teaches you and that His Spirit makes you follow in Spirit and in truth.