The Emperor’s New Groove is one of my favorite movies. There are so many quotable lines. “Bless you for coming out in public,” “Lamma face.” Or my wife’s favorite when she doesn’t want to do something, “I’ve been turned into a cow. Can I go home now?” Then, there is the scene where there is imminent danger as Cusco and Pacha dangle from a frayed rope over a deep ravine with sharp rocks below. Cusco looks down and says, “Bring It On!”
David was a wise and spiritual leader. He never ran from a challenge but always sought the Lord’s direction before moving. To me, that is the very definition of a spiritual leader. Leaders lead. Spiritual leaders do so only at the direction of the Lord.
My sermon title from this week was also from a famous movie. “It’s a Trap!” My message focused on the struggles that often come against us—betrayal, offense, discouragement, anger, etc. I encourage you to check our YouTube channel to hear that message. You will find it under C3AGTV. For this blog, I want to focus on David’s willingness to seek the Lord’s direction. There is, of course, a crossover between the sermon and the blog.
Read 1 Samuel 23:1-12
In this short portion of Scripture, David seeks the Lord four times, in verses 2, 4, 10, and 12. Each time, the Lord responded in the affirmative. There is a significant detail that some might miss. In verses 2 and 4, David is praying on his own. There is no priest present to consult the Lord for him. Verse 6 tells us that the priest Abiathar arrives with the Ephod. So, in verses 10 and 12, David seeks the Lord through the priest and ephod.
Why is this significant? It shows that David had a vibrant relationship with God. He did not need to go through a priest. He trusted that he could hear from the Lord personally. Yet, we also see that David shows the utmost respect to Abiathar when he arrives. He honors this priest by asking him to inquire of the Lord on his behalf.
Both show David’s character. They both show that David would say, “Bring it On,” if he first sought the Lord. David’s spiritual leadership is based on four things evident in this account. These four are also applicable in our lives.
First, we must have a personal relationship with God. David prayed to the Lord without the ephod because he knew his God.
Second, we must seek God’s direction before we act. Four times, David sought the Lord.
Third, we must respect and honor spiritual authority. When Abiathar, the priest, arrived with the ephod, David honored him and sought the Lord through him.
Fourth, we must trust God to lead us and obey His words. When God said, “Go,” David obeyed.
In this life of faith, we face many challenges. At times, we may feel like Cusco hanging from the frayed rope. If we are faithful to seek the Lord, we can confidently say, “Bring it On.” If you seek Him, you will find Him. If you ask, He will answer. Face your challenges, knowing that God is on your side. Ask for his guidance and be ready to act when he answers. Spiritual leaders lead. So, lead on, my friend. Lead on. “Bring it on!”
Through Time 