1 Samuel 27: Duty

"David did not let a man or woman live to be brought to Gath, for he said, 'Or they will inform on us and say, "This is what David did."'  This was David's custom during the whole time he stayed in the Philistine territory."

1 Samuel 27:11

This is an interesting situation David has put himself in.  He fled to the land of the Philistines in order to stop Saul from pursuing him, but while he was living near Gath he was still doing his duty as a soldier of Israel - as a commander in God's earthly army.  He was still raiding against the Philistines and other enemies of Israel, even while they were sheltering him from Israel's king.  The second core value of the US Army is duty.

What was David's duty?  Duty is the fulfillment of one's obligations, no matter the cost.  As a commander of God's troops, David's duty was to eradicate those who worshiped false idols or oppressed His people in any way.  As a member of the Israelite family, his duty was to protect his people.  In order to do both of these at the same time, he had to be 100% efficient in his raids, leaving no survivors to tell the tale of his actions to the king of Gath.

Question of the Day:

Do you do your duty to God and your country?  Do you do your duty to all those around you, who God has brought into your life?  Do you do your duty to yourself?  Do you stand up for what's right, even when it means you're unpopular?  Do you teach righteousness to those around you and spread the good news of Salvation, even when it means being ridiculed or losing a position of respect?  Do you treat your mind, body, and spirit as property of God by keeping them healthy and pure, even when that means going against your own strongest desires?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, help me do my duty to You.  In doing so, show me what duties I have towards my country, my family, my neighbors, and every person who You bring into my life.  Help me to know the best ways to take care of my own self in a dutiful manner.  Convict me of obligations I do not fulfill, and help me to meet the needs You have for me.  Amen.