David among the Philistines, Saul among the Dead (1 Sam 28-29)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

Tonight we watch as David follows the pattern of the LORD himself as he descends into the realm of the Philistines.You may remember that Yahweh himself had gone before David to Gath – when the ark of the covenant was taken captive! Now the LORD's Anointed is following the path of Yahweh himself – as David spends 16 months in Gath (the ark had spent 7 months in Philistine territory). David will pass through his own humiliation to glory, as he remains in exile awaiting the day when the LORD will vindicate him and establish his house.You might wonder, "Is there any other way? That sounds hard!" Yes, it is. And yes, there is another way: the way of Saul -- which is a one-way ticket to the grave. What is the difference between David and Saul? In a word, repentance. Saul is so focused on his kingdom that he loses sight of God's kingdom. David recognizes that "yours is the kingdom" (1 Chron 29:11) – and so when David sins, he recognizes that he has sinned against God, whereas when Saul sins, he only sees his sin against man.The difference is catastrophic -- as Saul will end with a banquet in the grave, while David will end at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb...