When a New Day Comes

Follow Along with the Message

"Now it came about after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, that David remained two days in Ziklag. (2) On the third day, behold, a man came out of the camp of Saul, with his clothes torn and dust on his head.  And it came about when he came to David that he fell to the ground and prostrated himself. (3) Then David said to him, 'From where do you come?'  And he said to him, 'I have escaped from the camp of Israel.' (4) David said to him, 'How did things go?  Please tell me.' And he said, 'The people have fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathon his son are dead also.' . . .(11) Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so also did the men who were with him. (12) They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. . .(17) Then David chanted this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son, (18) and he told them to teach the sons of Juda the song of the bow. . .(1) then it came about afterwards, that David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?'  And the Lord said, 'Go up.'  So David said, 'Where shall I go up?'  And He said, 'To Hebron.' 

(2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 17-18, 2:1).

     "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you may be able to endure

     it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

A way of escape.  A new day.  "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom" (Acts 14:22).

Hard years.  A struggle to survive.  News comes that Saul is dead.  Mixed bag.

--GOOD GRIEF

     Lament.  A thoughtful sadness.  "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5:4).  Nehemiah wept and prayed.  Nehemiah 1:4-11.

     "Remember from where you have fallen" (Revelation 2:5).  Holy Spirit grieves.  Ephesians 4:30.

--REAL RESPECT

     "Everyone needs a big graveyard where you bury the mistakes of your friends" (Paul Powell).  Love covers a multitude of sins.  So. . .do!

--PATIENT PRAYER

     "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:5-7).

     A pre-condition

     "Should I go up?"   The cure is a shared life.

--NEW FRIENDSHIPS ( 2:4-7).

     The noble courage of Jabesh-Gilead.  David sends them words of praise.  He builds bridges not walls.  His Mighty Men.

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Go pack!  You aren't ready!

"I will prepare.  Someday my chance will come" (Abraham Lincoln).