Where do you look? (April 25)

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters.  But David found strength in the Lord his God.  Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him.

Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me."  But his armor bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance.
                                      From 1 Samuel 30 and 31;
                                               1 Corinthians 10 NIV

David had the Lord and today requests the ephod.  My Holman Bible Dictionary tells me that the ephod was a priestly garment connected with seeking a word from God and used in a wrong way as an idol.  Here David uses the ephod as a source of divine guidance.

David also used the ephod on page 433, when he learned Saul was in persuit and had questions about Keilah's citizens.

Saul, on the other hand: did not follow the Lord; did not keep the word of the Lord; and even sought the guidance of a medium.  Saul made a very sharp left or right turn and did not follow the Lord's path.

Saul exemplifies Romans 6:23 NIV: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  We also can think on Romans 3:23 NIV: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

One might reflect on how neat it would be if we could go to Kohl's and purchase an effective ephod.  I have not seen one on the shelves of Kohl's or of any store.

Instead of an ephod, we have the guidance of God's Word, The Holy Spirit, prayer, pastors and other Christian leaders.


How do you look for guidance for making life's decisions?

How do you give thanks for faith in the work of Jesus, work which allows us to cross over from death to new life? 

Pray for wisdom and guidance and effective leadership.

In Christ,

David P