Tuesday, April 18th
Devotional written by Pastor Connor Johnson, Middle School Pastor
FIRST RESPONSE TO DAVID’S SUCCESS
To read today: 1 Samuel 18:5-7
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres.
1 Samuel 18:1
_______________________________________
Working with middle school students at Calvary is a joy for many reasons, but one is because of the drastically different responses I see to similar situations. Two students can witness the same moment at camp; one may be devastated with jealousy and the other filled with excitement. Recently, we played a game on stage where the winning student won a bag of marshmallows – yes, just a simple bag of marshmallows. Their friends welcomed them back as if they had just won the super bowl! The celebration far exceeded any accomplishment, but they decided to celebrate one another nonetheless.
In today’s reading, we see the first of two drastically different responses to David’s victory over Goliath and subsequent conquests. Saul, the troops, the officers, and all the women of Israel are incredibly pleased with David. How do they celebrate? Saul gives him a big promotion, and when he returns, they dance and sing joyful songs about David.
How long has it been since you celebrated someone you love with the same vigor and excitement that is shown to David?
Reflection: Call or text someone you think deserves celebration, and set up a time to celebrate whatever God is doing in their lives.
______________________________________