MONDAY June 17, 2019
Jealousy Leads to Murder
And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.
1 Samuel 18:10-11
Saul had become blinded by his jealousy of David. The people had grown to praise this young hero above Saul’s praises. The king was left to wonder, What else would the people give David, the kingdom? Saul became so paranoid. Every move David made he watched. Saul resented David. Did Saul forget the reason God was removing him from power? Saul was stubborn and disobedient towards God, and He was demoting him. David was obedient to God, and the Lord was exalting him.
Interestingly, God had allowed a distressing spirit to come upon Saul. God used Satan as an adversary to harass him. King Saul had no defense against the enemy; the Lord had departed from him. The Hebrew word prophesied simply means, “to speak before people.” However, Saul spoke in a manner that was under demonic influence. He said things in anger, and his words revealed his heart. Saul in raging jealously and madness attempted to kill David who was able to escape.
Seriously, how do we handle a demotion or a devastating failure as Christian? Do we become jealous of our replacement? Understand, God uses these things to humble us. Then we can go back to the basics we have forgotten and learn over again how to be servants. God desires we remain usable in the kingdom of God. When we become jealous, it is usually because we are coveting someone else’s anointing and position. Jealousy can lead us to attempt to murder someone’s character. The sin of jealously can destroy us––fully and completely.
Jealousy is the raw material of murder.
~Anonymous~
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