July 23, 2021 | I Samuel 22

Read 1 Samuel 22

Scripture- 1 Samuel 22:18-  The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

Observation- Doeg was simply a servant, but he saw a way to climb up in the ranks of Saul. All he had to do was tell the information he had and then carry out the king’s orders to kill the priests. He would have the success he wanted; just at the expense of his relationship with God. 

Application- The desire for power and success at the expense of a relationship with God is no different today. In fact, I face similar temptations today as well. I could be more successful if I did business unethically. I could be more successful if I changed what God’s Word said. I could be more successful if I just told people what they want to hear. I could be more successful if I just cut God out. If I do, then maybe I’d be rewarded the way Doeg was, but that reward is very fleeting. It is much better to seek the Lord first. He is my great reward. Earthly success will end, but the eternal success won for me by God will last forever. I’ll seek him first today. 

Prayer- Father, the temptation to cut you out for earthly success is all around. Even Jesus faced that temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4. But no earthly success could ever replace you. Nothing is worth cutting you out. Thank you for your love and forgiveness. Send your Holy Spirit today to keep me close to you, and motivate me to seek you first. Amen.