In this particular story in the Old Testament, David was running away from King Saul who was threatened to kill David because God has appointed him to be the next king of Israel. But before that could happen, God is out to show him an important lesson. So rather ascending the throne and making his home in the palace.
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming-men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just disconnected-until David was the captain of about 400 men. (I Samuel 22:1-2)
David was a homeless outcast-living in a cave, surrounded by a small army of needy devotees. And David’s Lord, Jesus, the anointed King, was also a homeless outcast. He said, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. (Matthew 8:20)
Though David was an outcast, there were those who drew near to him. And you noticed that it was not the strongest of the army, the talented ones, the capable who came to make their home with David in the cave of Adullam. The type of people who sought out David were distressed, in debt, and disconnected.
For the most part, those who sought out Jesus were poor and needy; it was the lepers, the blind, the marginalized, and the outcasts who came to Jesus for help and healing. The rich and powerful ones, the learned and the mighty, the leaders of the nation had no heart for him, while his small group of disciples were mostly simple fishermen.
But just as David became a captain, or leader, to all who came to him, so has God made “Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring” all who came to him to salvation. (Hebrews 2:10)
Would you respond in faith that in our depravity and sinful state and discontent with all the things of the world that Jesus to bring peace and pleasure and made me one of his own. And so He will take you and me into His Kingdom, where we will no longer be homeless outcast where we’ll be honored and we’ll be at home.
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