1 Samuel 27:1-12
The first visit of David to Gath to see Achish had resulted in complete embarrassment for him (1 Samuel 21:10-15). But in spite of that, he now goes back there because he is afraid of Saul. We can no longer recognize the man who, in the preceding chapter, even went down without fear into the middle of his adversary’s camp to take the spear from Saul’s bolster. And we can recognize even less the conqueror of Goliath in this man, who goes to seek refuge with the Philistines. Alas, does it not often happen that we can no longer be recognized as followers of Jesus? With His help, we have perhaps won some kind of victory. Like David we showed our trust in God, by the firm strength of our witness before men. Characteristics of grace could be seen in us. Then, all of a sudden, there is nothing left. We are found on the world’s side, in league with the Lord’s enemies.
Yes, David at Gath has forgotten the defeat of Goliath. Dear friends, let us never forget the cross. Like a barrier, it separates us from the world which crucified Jesus (read Galatians 6:14).