Chapter 16: Heart of a Shepherd
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For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2.10 God, thank you for creating me to be a masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind work of art. Thank you for taking such care in designing me and molding me and making me the person you want me to be. Thank you for giving me all kinds of gifts and talents and abilities.

both natural and supernatural. Thank you for giving me wisdom and skill and experience. Thank you for fulfilling me with unlimited potential and possibility. Your word says that long before I was born, you had a specific plan for me. You prepared good works for me to do, for your kingdom and for your glory. My life has purpose and meaning and impact.

I have a high and holy calling. I have a glorious destiny. Show me today the assignment you have for me, the tasks you want me to accomplish, those good works. Help me to make them my priorities. Don't let me be distracted by others' assignments or by other goals or hopes or dreams. Keep me focused on who you made me to be and what you've called me to do. I thank you.

And I praise you for all these good things. In Jesus' name, amen. Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.

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Please be sure to follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so you get the newest episodes right as they come out. Welcome to The Epic Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, and murder. While most people know David the myth, few know about David the man. In this episode, David is brought to the end of himself,

In our last story, David began a steep decline and was nearly caught in a terrible situation. God delivered him from a complete moral collapse, but there is still a price to pay for what he's done. David is about to reach an all-time low, questioning his calling as a leader and value as a man. God's chosen hero will be face down in a pile of ash, wondering if he should give up.

This episode explores the themes of strength, valor, and redemption. David's failure gives way for more faith, and the shepherd's heart within him that once vanquished a lion awakens. There is less philosophical or theological prose to be taken from this episode. It is meant to be appreciated as an example of the hero's journey. David will fall, rise, and then enter into a new chapter of his life.

Before the madness of this episode ensues, we will be carried forward in time to the peaceful shores of Galilee.

Speaking to the crowd with a gentle breeze at his back is Jesus, giving insight into the heart of God. Jesus' account of the good shepherd will provide the perfect lens for how we see the character of David. He is, at his core, a shepherd, and a good shepherd always lays his life down for the sheep. I'm glad you're here for the halfway point of our David series, Heart of a Shepherd.

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Brought to you by State Farm. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prelude to Chapter 16. The Sea of Galilee was calm and serene. The gentle breeze blowing in from the water brushed up against Jesus' face as he spoke to the crowd before him. "Let us say a shepherd has a hundred sheep," Jesus said. "He tends to them well within his pasture. However, one of them falls astray and wanders off into the wilderness where predators lie in wait."

The shepherd takes action and leaves the 99 sheep in search of the one. He ascends into the mountains and risks injury and death to save the one sheep who went astray. Then he finds the sheep and his entire household rejoices. That is the heart of my Father in heaven. It is not in his will that anyone should perish. Jesus spoke of a transcendent truth packaged in a simple story.

He revealed in his words the attentive heart of God, a heart that saw the life of one person worth risking danger and death for. A good shepherd's loyalty and love for his sheep would endure the threat of lions, wolves, storms, and other dangers, all for the sake of the sheep's safety. As Jesus spoke, the people received a new glimpse into the heart of God. He cared for them like a shepherd would his sheep, and he would lay down his life to protect them.

Jesus outstretched his arms to the people and proclaimed, "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays his life down for the sheep. The hired hand sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep to save himself. He cares nothing for the sheep. I am the Good Shepherd, and I will lay down my life for the sheep. They will hear me and listen to my voice. Know this: Whatever may come in the future,

Nobody takes my life from me. I lay it down willingly for the sake of those that God has given to me. I have the authority to lay down my life, and I have the authority to raise it up again. Jesus would lay his life down as the Good Shepherd. The blood he spilled would be used as a ransom for many. Through his suffering, toil, and sacrifice, many would come to be blessed.

Jesus alone would have victory over sin and death, and share in that victory for all those who would want it. The spoils of his war against darkness would be shared with all. Chapter 16: Heart of a Shepherd David trudged through the mud despondent and ashamed. His men followed at a slower pace, keeping their distance from him. He had nearly led them into a battle against their own people, God's people.

However, the Lord protected them from marching up against Israel. He had saved them from David's lies and brash decisions. Although his men were angry, no one despised David as much as he despised himself. He and his faithful six hundred waded through the marshes between Aphek and Ziklag quietly. There was no laughter or jabbing banter between them, only a painful and disgraceful silence. For three days they marched back home. At night they rested.

Campfires were set and night watches were assigned. Yet the pride and lightheartedness of being under David had lost its luster. This was their first real defeat. Each night, David curled into himself and slept. He did not want to face any of his men. He did not want to face himself. He did not want to face God. It was the third day on their return home, and the wet marshes slowly transitioned into lush rolling hills leading down into the farmland of Ziklag.

David was eager to fall into Abigail's arms. He longed for an understanding ear to listen to his failures and lament with him. He dreamed of her embrace every night, as did every man towards his wife. For as mighty as the brave 600 were, many of them were husbands and fathers. They were family men who dreamed of a day when they would quietly tend to their farms without the threat of being killed. Ziklag had become a safe haven and a refuge from the madness of the world.

It was their quiet oasis and humble bastion. As they drew closer, David could see something eerie in the distance. Dark plumes of smoke rose several miles away, and the men feared the worst. "We were fools to leave and march with King Achish," the liaisar said to David. The two of them looked out over the rolling hills towards their home. "That smoke is right where our families are." David could not speak. It was as if a stone had been placed in his throat.

He held back nervous tears and gestured for his men to quicken their pace. Their brisk marching soon turned into a run as Ziklag came into focus. David's eyes began to fog with frantic tears as he ran down the hill. Every house, every barn, and every armory they had built was reduced to ash. The men fell to their knees and wept as they scanned the desolate ash heap that was their home. There was no sign of their wives or their children.

They had been taken, along with all the livestock and stockpiled goods. Eleazar and the other fathers in the group ran into the wreckage yelling their children's names. They dug through the burnt wood and ash in desperate search for them, yet not even bodies could be found. It was clear all of them had been taken. But by who? Still in shock, David trudged around the village. He came to the place where his home used to be. He had longed to open the door and find Abigail there.

Yet there was only a pile of cinders. Something caught the sight of David's eye. A hilt of a sword had been left. David leaned down and picked it up. He brushed off the ash and dirt to see the seal of the Amalekites. The sworn enemies of Israel had swooped in when the men were away. While the women and children were alone and vulnerable, the Amalekites had marched in with ease and taken everything. They took what was most precious to them: their families.

David gripped the hilt and squeezed it. His hands were trembling and his bottom lip quivered, falling to his knees. David cried louder than he had ever before. This was his greatest failure, and now the innocent women and children were paying for his negligence. The men howled after their families. The strong and noble warriors had been completely broken. David could hear their weeping. It broke his heart.

Is this what you wanted, David? shouted a voice from behind. You should be stoned for this. Another voice cried out. My child's blood will be on your hands. The voices grew louder and louder. A choir of insults resounded in David's ears as his men lashed out in anger. The giant slayer remained on his knees. He said nothing to defend himself, for he knew that they were right. He had led his men to go on a sinful mission.

It was his poor leadership that left the women and children vulnerable. If they had not embarked on the pointless march, their families would not have been taken. "They are right," David thought to himself. "I should be stoned for this heinous crime." He banged his fist against the ashes, creating a cloud of smoke in front of him. He had no answers for his men. He had no song of hope to sing to them. No words of comfort. The chosen champion of God was completely and utterly broken.

The men eventually left to salvage whatever they could of the wreckage. They were all weary from three days of marching. Their bones ached and their hearts were broken. The men made camp, ate, and stared blankly into the night. Those who were awake murmured by the fire, cursing David under their breath. Yet David remained where he was, knees in the ashes of his destroyed home.

He stared blankly at the stars, wondering if God had saved him from the war against Israel, all so he could punish him with the Amalekites. David could hear footsteps behind him breaking the maddening silence. It was Abishai. He sat beside him and allowed the silence to resume. The wind was light, carrying the smell of fire and ash. The two of them scanned the noiseless desolation. Then Abishai spoke with few words, hoping to get through to his commander.

When I was a soldier in Saul's army, there was a legend that was often told to the men. We all knew this story, yet somehow every time it was told, it seemed new to us. He began. Although Abishai was a young man, his low and contemplative voice revealed his old soul. It was a story of a young shepherd boy who left his entire flock of sheep to rescue one lamb from the jaws of a lion. This shepherd could afford to lose one sheep.

After all, lions steal sheep all the time. What is a small shepherd boy to do when faced with a ravenous lion?" Abishai shook his head and smiled. "Yet this boy had a true shepherd's heart. Every sheep was precious. He would sacrifice everything, even his own life, just for one sheep." Abishai turned to David and grabbed his shoulder. "Remember, you were a shepherd before you were a giant slayer," he said.

After saying this, Abishai stood to his feet and left David to himself. David watched Abishai leave, then walked to the valley where the sheep once grazed. The wind shifted, and David could no longer smell ash. He looked up into the heavens and stretched out his hands. The wind picked up even more, billowing against David's trembling body. He clenched his fists and roared into the heavens. He shouted praise to his God and allowed the Spirit of the Lord to rest upon him.

He strengthened himself in the Lord, allowing the full weight of His grace to empower him. The breath of God that once breathed life into Adam had rushed fresh wind into David's lungs. He breathed in deeply, feeling the power, favor, and purpose of God. He shook his head to clear the fog of his mind and said, "I am a man anointed by God, called by God, and promised by God to be the next king of Israel.

I have a high calling and promise from God, and He hasn't taken it away. I need to start living according to that destiny. David raised his head. The cloud hovering above him completely vanished, revealing the vast expanse of the heavens. David beat his fist against his chest and begged the Lord for forgiveness. He howled into the evening wind, allowing himself to feel the mighty hand of God upon him.

He left for camp and stormed into the tent of Abiathar the priest. Bring me the ephod. David said with a smile. Abiathar was startled by David's abrupt entrance. There was an excitement and fire in his eyes that he had not seen yet in the young commander. In spite of all the tragedy that had just befallen him, David seemed to him like a man with passion and purpose. Abiathar brought out the ephod so David could inquire of the Lord.

He held it in his hand and bowed to the Lord. "Shall I pursue after the Amalekites?" David whispered. "If I go up against them to rescue our loved ones, will you allow me to overtake them?" God's answer was clear and resolute. "Pursue," he said, "or you shall overtake and rescue those you love." David's eyes beamed with hope. He gave the ephod back to Abiathar and left the tent.

He strapped Jonathan's armor securely to his chest. He secured the sword of Goliath to his back. He rifled through his bag to retrieve his headband, tying it around his forehead to keep his curls from falling in his eyes. Lastly, he removed the sling from his bag and held it in his hands. The first memory that came rushing through his mind was not the memory of slaying Goliath. No, it was protecting his sheep from lions and wolves. He had always laid everything on the line for his sheep.

He did not consider his own life more valuable than theirs. He risked his life for them because they were his. David gripped the sling firmly in his hand and strapped it to his belt. He stood and went to his men who were sitting by the fire. "I am going after them," he said. They looked up at him with eyes red from tears. "Do you plan on pursuing them alone?" Eleazar asked. He, out of all of David's most faithful, was hurt the most.

He feared for his family and mourned their loss deeply. If I must fight alone, I will. The Lord has already promised victory, and I trust him. I am going south. The Amalekites have left a trail, and I want to begin my pursuit before the trail is blown away. None of them had the strength to follow him, but David cared not whether they went with him or stayed. David pointed to the horizon and said,

The people God has entrusted to me are out there somewhere. They are like sheep that have been taken by wolves, and I plan on going after them. I do not fear the enemy, for the Lord is my shepherd. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He will protect and guide me.

David stormed off and began running into the night. It was only a few hours before sunrise, and David was determined to run until he found his lost sheep. His mighty men, who had once sworn to fight alongside him until the end, remained by the fire. They were dejected and bereaved. The evening breeze subsided, and the chirping of crickets was replaced with the silence of early morning. The sun had not yet risen, and David had been running for two hours in the dark.

He stopped to drink and regain his bearings. They were at least two days in front of him, and it would take a great deal of effort to bridge the gap between them. As the morning light rose above the hills, David heard a rumbling behind him. He looked back and held his hand above his head to block the sun. There, standing with the sunrise to their backs, were David's men. All six hundred of them were behind Abishai.

David's heart began to pound with joy. Tears streamed down his face as he watched them descend the hill towards him. They would not leave him to fight the Amalekites alone. David Shepard's heart had been imparted onto them, and now they would go to rescue those who were lost. David said nothing. He simply nodded at his men and gestured for them to move forward. They ran at a steady pace, filled with the fire of God's spirit raging in their bones. David remained ahead of them.

bent on retrieving the lost sheep. The faithful men followed, but not all were physically ready for the challenge. Eventually, David and the men came to the brook Besor. The water was deep and the recent rains had caused the current to rage violently. David paused and assessed the situation. If they were to go around it, they would fall behind for more than a day. David secured his sword to his back and jumped into the water. The current thrashed against him and tugged him downstream.

However, he was determined and chopped at the water even more. The brook was only fifty feet wide, but the rapids made it feel like an eternity. After kicking and stroking forward, David finally made it to the other side. He rested his hands on his knees and panted, then looked across the brook to beckon his men forward. Four hundred of them jumped in after him, however two hundred of them were too exhausted to continue. We cannot follow any further, David.

We would exhaust ourselves, and water would consume us. One of them shouted, Cowards! shouted a few others who had swam to the other side. It will take all of us to slay the Amalekites. David rebuked the men and waved the others on. Go back to camp and prepare a place for the women and children. They will not want to come back home to ash and debris. Pray for us that the Lord would give us favor. The men bowed and turned back.

David did not waste any more time. He continued at a fast pace in pursuit of the Amalekite wolves. The faithful and mighty men of David ran into the night, only pausing for short periods of time to hydrate and rest their legs.

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The men wandered the desert hills, slowly losing hope. "Shall we turn back to retrace the trail?" Shama asked. "No." David said while shaking his head. The two of them had scaled one of the hills to get a better vantage point. "If we turn back, we will lose precious time. We cannot afford interruptions." Shama and David remained up there for a few more moments, speculating as to where they fell off course. As they were debating on whether to turn back, the men called for David from below.

The two of them descended and joined the others. Joshabeam was standing over a young man lying on the desert floor unconscious. David knelt down and brought out his waterskin. The boy was young with no beard and wore the clothing of a slave. Judging by the markings on his skin, David could see that he had a cruel master. He brought the water to his mouth gently. "Drink, my son. You do not look well.

The young man groaned and took strained sips of the water. He opened his eyes to see David's bright smile. Even amidst the harsh sun and exhausting conditions, David always managed to give a kind smile to those who needed it. The boy sat up and whispered. Thank you. David! The liaisar interrupted. You have given the boy his food. Now let us leave him and be on our way. We must continue. Not until I am certain this boy is all right. David replied.

He gestured for his men to get some food. They brought him bread, a piece of fig cake, and two clusters of raisins. The boy ate ravenously. Thank you, my lord. The boy said with a grin. I have been without food for three days and three nights. I was almost certain I would die out here. Where are you from? David asked gently. I am an Egyptian. The boy replied. I was forcibly taken as a slave and sold to an Amalekite. David's curiosity was sparked.

He wondered if this young man had been sent by God. "Why are you away from your master?" David asked. "Have you run away?" The boy shook his head. "Three days ago I grew ill and required more attention and care than my master was willing to give. After we raided Negev and Ziklag, I was left here to die." "I am sorry," David said sincerely. "Your master made a poor choice in choosing his convenience over your care." "I am happy to be rid of him."

even given the circumstances. The boy replied, Do you know where your master and the other Amalekites are headed? David asked. I do, but I do not plan on returning to them. David leaned over and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. I understand that you do not want to return, but the Amalekites have taken our families. Will you lead us to them? The boy was silent for a long moment. David grew uncomfortable with the pause. He looked up at him with a desperate gaze.

"Swear to me by your God that you will not kill me or send me back into the hands of my master," he begged. "Swear to me that no harm will befall me, and I will take you to them." David's heart ached for the young man. What a cruel and painful life he must have had so far. David nodded his head and smiled. "You have my word. Take me to them, and you may be free to do as you please. Leave for Egypt, remain in the desert, or join us if you desire."

It is your choice. The boy's face lit up with hope for the first time since he had been taken as a child, abandoned, left for dead, and cast aside. He had thought death would be a welcomed change. Yet now, as the boy stood before David, he felt alive with hope for the future. He stood to his feet and limped forward. David laughed and rallied his men. They cheered and followed the boy through the hills overlapping one another.

Eventually, they were able to spot a camp nestled in a valley between two large mountains. David had found his enemy, and the warrior heart of God's chosen hero raged like a forest fire. "Get ready, men!" he shouted. "We will take these Amalekite dogs at twilight!"

The drunken cackles of the Amalekite soldiers echoed through the canyons. They were celebrating their victory, completely unaware that David and his men were lurking in the shadows, ready to attack like a pack of wolves. David listened to the sounds of music, dancing, and debauchery until the sunset. Their inebriated swaying and loud singing gave David a good idea of how the battle would go. If they were able to get the jump on them, the battle could be decided quickly.

However, by the looks of their camp, the Amalekites outnumbered them five to one. If even half of them were in a sober state of mind, they would be in great danger. David watched the final rays of light tuck in behind the hills. The bright splashes of orange and reds faded into the dark blue night. As the final light left the horizon, David stood to his feet and began a slow pace towards the camp. His men walked behind him, quietly making their way towards the enemy.

They drew their swords. There was no battle cry, no sounding of trumpets or drums of war. They did not deserve such a warning. Like the Angel of Death, David and the rest of the mighty men drifted into camp. The first strike was a silent strike across the throat of an Amalekite guard. David was the first to draw blood, and once he did, the entire band of warriors behind him began their onslaught.

David was filled with a quiet rage, like the rumbling of a volcano about him. Without so much as a grunt, he slashed through every amalgam he saw. They fell at his feet before even noticing he was there.

Soon, the entire camp had caught on to what was happening. Hundreds of the drunken Amalekite soldiers ceased their drinking and dancing to take up arms. Like a swarm of locusts, they emerged from their tents and began to run towards David and his men. David steadied his breathing, gripped his sword firmly, and ran towards the enemy. He ran with reckless abandon with his sword, poised for a battle. His men rushed in behind him, emboldened by his bravery.

The two armies clashed and the sound of clanging iron filled the air like thunder. David's volcanic rage had finally boiled over. He erupted with unbridled fury, cutting down every man who came in his way. No Amalekite lasted longer than five seconds against him. He was a man possessed with a greater power, and there would be no stopping him.

A group of Amalekites rushed at him at once. One came above, but David ducked and slashed him at the calves. Another came in from David's left, but his jab was dodged, followed by a swing of David's sword to his neck. Each kill brought him further to the center of camp where the families had been tied up captive. With a sea of blood behind him, David broke through the final wall of men, keeping him from his beloved Abelion.

They came at him like ravenous animals. However, even the fiercest of wolves are no match for a shepherd coming after his sheep. From twilight until the evening of the next day, David and his men completely slaughtered the Amalekites. Not one soldier was left standing, except for the young men who had fled on their camels. As the dawn finally broke, David stood in front of a large tent standing in the center of camp.

His face was caked with blood and dirt. All the screams of his enemies and sound of clanging swords had ceased, and all that was left was silence. He slowly approached the entrance of the tent and opened it, afraid of what he might see inside. Would his family be killed? Would the children be hurt? David feared that he may have been too late. However, when he entered the large canvas structure, he was relieved to see all of the family safe, huddled together in the corner of the tent.

The heavy weight on his heart had fallen off him, and David fell to his knees and wept at the sight of them. Abigail ran to him and held him. She stroked his hair and pushed him. She was safe. They were all safe, and it was the Lord that had saved them. The morning came, and the sunrise was blocked by clouds gliding across the eastern plains.

The crisp morning air filled David's lungs. He breathed in, feeling the full weight of God's grace upon him once again. Despite his foolishness, the Lord had shown him mercy. David awoke thankful and filled with joy at the goodness of God. He walked among the Amalekite camp, taking inventory of all the spoils they had taken. Not only were all of the stolen livestock and items still there, but there was even more spoil to be taken.

David and his men took donkeys and carts and filled them to the brim with Amalekite riches. Gold, silver, livestock, clothing, weapons, and an abundance of food was loaded to be taken back home. The men and their families ventured off that morning, following close behind their shepherd David. They were delighted at the riches they had just acquired. It felt like a worthy trophy for the hard-fought battle they had won. To them, it was a reward for their bravery.

The group ventured back towards Ziklag, this time taking the long way around the Brook Besor. Ziklag came into view, and the clouds began to break above them. The men who had been left at the Brook Besor were back home, rebuilding the homes and mending the broken fences. They looked up the hills above them and saw their families descending down to them. They dropped their tools and ran after them. The wives and children could not wait. They ran ahead to greet their husbands and fathers.

Tears rolled down their faces and laughter rose up into the skies. David smiled with his arm around his wife, content to sit back and watch his people enjoy a moment of bliss. The warriors who fought the Amalekites began to unload the spoils of war. They tied up the livestock and began to count what they had won. The men who had stayed back began helping unload. They seemed elated at the sight of so many riches won for their community, but the other men were defensive of the spoils.

What makes you think you can share in the riches we won? They shouted. We were the ones who pressed on and followed David to fight the Amalekites. We were the ones with enough strength to continue. Much of this spoil is what was stolen from all of us. We must share if we are to prosper. The others retorted. Bickering and infighting emerged from the ranks of David. A spirit of division rose like boiling water. If David was not careful...

He would have his own civil war break out among his men. Among the furious men was Dog, a brutish and wicked man who had managed to stay among the ranks of David. He savagely threw some of the men away from the spoils, insisting that they had no right to them. He riled up some of the other men against them, and suggested that they take their families and leave. David watched the fighting continue for a short while. He was thinking, praying, and considering what the next move shall be.

The next decision he made would determine what type of king he would become. Shall he side with the strong, or share the wealth for the sake of prosperity? He had little time to consider these things, since Dov and the other worthless fellows among the men stormed up to him. "Commander David, a word?" Dov asked with rage.

David nodded and gestured for him to speak. "These weaklings were not able to cross a simple river to fight with you. They were cowards and ran when you needed them most. They should not receive any of the spoil we labored so hard to capture. In fact, each man should leave his family out of our sight." A crowd had gathered around Dov and David. They were silent, awaiting his final decision. David shook his head and smiled.

Oh, how he sometimes longed for the sheep pastures again. The sheep, as wily as they may have gotten from time to time, were much more simple and easy to understand. David could empathize with Dov and the others. They had bled for the rewards and felt a great deal of pride in what they had accomplished. The thought of sharing it with those who did not earn it could cheapen the experience for them. He stood up tall and placed a hand on Dov's shoulder. "You shall not cast them out.

You shall share the spoil. There was a murmuring among some of the men. David could sense them wrestling with their own selfish natures. He waved for them to silence, then spoke again: It is the Lord who has given us what we have. He is the one who preserved us and gave us victory over our enemies. The Lord causes the sun to shine on those who fight and to those who remain at home.

So shall we not withhold blessing from our brothers who did not fight with us? Shall we reward cowards? Dov shouted. What message are you giving? Shall weakness be the prevailing posture of this army? David turned his head to Dov. His intense glare silenced him at once.

The future king of Israel stepped forward towards his angry soldier and held out a finger. Grace is never weak, he said. All the victories I have acquired in my short life have benefited the people I love and care for. It brings my heart gladness that the blood I pour out on the battlefield brings blessing to my kinsmen. Do you fight only for yourself? No.

You fight for your brothers, your wives, your children, and your people. I will share my victory with others as the Lord shares his victory with me. David then turned to his servants and gestured towards one of the carts of gold and silver. Not only will all of us receive some of the spoil, but also the tribe of Judah.

Go and present the elders in Bethel, Ramoth of the Negeb, Jatir, Ereur, Siphmoth, Eshtimoah, Rasel, the cities of the Jeremelites and Kenites, Hormah, Boreshin, Othich, and in Hebron. Tell them that David and his mighty men have taken it from their enemies. So the servants departed and shared the spoils of war with the elders of Judah.

They shared the wealth with the families in need, encouraged that they had a shepherd out in the fields watching over them. David would soon be named their king. He would be honored, respected, and revered by many. However, David's men were the ones who were able to see a glimpse into his heart. They were able to see what the Lord saw, not just a man who knew how to wield a sword, but a true servant of the Lord and his people, a shepherd willing to lay his life down for his sheep.

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Why does God compare himself to a shepherd? All throughout the Old and New Testament, God is drawing parallels between him and a shepherd. Shepherds were not particularly noble back then, nor were they respected professions. In fact, it was the opposite. Shepherds were often social outcasts living on the fringes of society because they traveled so much with their sheep. They were transient and unknown people that drew much skepticism from merchants and traders.

So I will ask the question again. Why does God compare himself to a shepherd? It might not be because he is exactly like a shepherd in the worldly sense, but because we are so much like sheep. Sheep are vulnerable creatures and the perfect target for predators. They have large, puffy bodies and small, skinny legs. They can outrun, outfight, or outwit wolves or lions. Because they are so vulnerable, they are also extra skittish and prone to wander.

Sheep can also become very unhealthy if not cared for properly by shepherds. Most conventional sheep wouldn't be able to survive on their own in the wild. They are completely dependent on the shepherd's guidance, provision, and protection to survive. So Jesus doesn't compare himself to a shepherd because he shares qualities with the shepherds of his time, but rather because we are so much like sheep in need of guidance, provision, and protection.

Considering how difficult sheep can be, it is a wonder why a shepherd would care so much about any of them, let alone a stray, but a good shepherd does anything to protect and provide for his sheep. Jesus demonstrated the heart of a shepherd on the cross, and David demonstrated the heart of a shepherd by venturing off on his own to save his people. After the prelude, we pick up where we left off in the last episodes.

David and his men drag their feet back to Ziglag after being saved from a life-altering mistake. David is ashamed beyond consolation and spends most of his nights curled in a ball. We can have a little sympathy for David, but he is correctly brooding over his failure. He was steps away from murdering his own people to save his own skin.

This is the opposite of a shepherd, which is why David takes it so harshly. Have you ever experienced anything like this? I hope you haven't been on David's level, but perhaps on a smaller scale, you have known this type of pain. David has become the opposite of who he is meant to be. He nearly became the enemy he fought so hard to destroy. There are times when we look in the mirror and realize our past selves would have hated the person we've become.

David is right to be ashamed, but shame ought always to be given to God. When the men return, their worst fears are realized. Their homes have been reduced to ashes and their families have been taken captive. Their painful mourns fill the skies and they collectively curse David for causing this. Why is it David's fault? Well, there are two reasons.

First, he raided the Amlekites unprovoked. Two, he led his men away on a sinful mission, leaving the families vulnerable. As if David couldn't be brought lower, his own men say he should be stoned. David retreats and falls into a pile of ash.

The ash is symbolic, and it is imagery we are all very familiar with. It is a cliché to portray heroes rising from the ashes, but that is exactly what is about to happen to David. As David sits in the ash, metaphorically soaking in a pool of his own loathing, a dear friend approaches him. Ebershed does the same thing Jonathan once did in the caves, reminds David of his calling.

Abishai tells him about a shepherd boy who sacrificed everything to save just one sheep. Abishai reminds David of who he is and what he is called to do. He ties a lasso around our hero's heart and tries to pull him back to a simpler time. We need people like Abishai and Jonathan in our lives, people who tether our souls to their roots and hold us accountable to our convictions.

Life can get complicated, and we can lose ourselves in the rushing tide of life, which is why we need anchors to keep us from drifting away. Abishai acts as an anchor for David, and he takes it to heart.

When Abishah leaves, David has a profound moment of clarity. He says for the first time out loud, I am a man anointed by God, called by God, and promised by God to be the next king of Israel. I have a high calling and promise from God, and he hasn't taken it away. I need to start living according to that destiny. There is power in declaration. Sometimes we have a hard time believing anything until we are willing to say it out loud.

There is profound power in praise, proclamation, and profession. What God has shown you in the dark, speak in the light. Have you been running from your calling? Have you been keeping things bottled up inside, afraid to speak up and speak out? Take a cue from David and shout to the heavens.

David has been reminded that deep down he is still the shepherd who chased after the lion. He is still the righteous and ready boy who ran after Goliath. He equips himself with Jonathan's armor, the sword of Goliath, his headband, and his sling. These are icons used to demonstrate what's happening inside of David. He is going back to the core values he strayed from. With all these things secured to him, he runs off with or without his men.

He knows God has his back, so he doesn't feel the need to beg his men to follow him. He runs into the darkness as if he's racing the sun to rise. His men eventually follow, but they are really following the anointing of God. The rescue was swift and decisive, but not for the faint of heart. Two hundred men had to go back because they were unable to complete the journey. This turned out to be an important wrinkle for the end of the episode.

When they bring back the women, children, and spoils, an argument erupts about whether they should share the plunder or if it should only go to those who fought. It is a tense moment that throws a wet blanket on what should have been a unifying experience. David had a tough decision to make. Should he side with the strongest men and let them keep the spoils, or should he divvy up the spoils so everyone can share in the victory?

It is not an easy decision. As a ruler, David does not want to incentivize hard work and carriage. However, he does not want to isolate anyone or leave them without means. He makes the case that nothing is earned, rather everything is given by God. Since we are all recipients of His grace, we should not take undue ownership over our wealth. We are to be generous to others as God has been generous to us.

This naturally irks a few people. Shall we reward cowards, Dove shouted? What message are you giving? Shall weakness be the prevailing posture of this army? David responds with a decisive declaration that becomes the ethos of his reign as king. Grace is never weak, he said. All the victories I have acquired in my short life have benefited the people I love and care for.

It brings my heart gladness that the blood I poured out on the battlefield brings blessing to my kinsmen. Do you fight only for yourself? No, you fight for your brothers, your wives, your children, and your people. I will share my victory with others as the Lord shares his victory with me. David makes one of his first kingly decisions here and shares the spoils with the tribe of Judah as well. This episode is a turning point in David's life.

His identity as a shepherd is re-established and confirmed, but he is also blossoming into a king. The episode after this will not just feature David the shepherd boy, but David the king of Israel.

From this moment forward, the stakes will be higher. God will never stop being faithful to his anointed, but will his anointed stop being faithful to God? We will find out in the coming episodes. Stay tuned for our next episode, The Death of a King, as the throne finally shifts and changes forever.

Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to Pray.com. And to expand your Heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at TonyEvans.org forward slash heroes.

Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the newest episodes right as they come out and always be inspired by the Bible. God bless. When the time comes to plan your next big getaway, know we got a destination idea for you. Orlando. Just think about it. The thrills at their 15 world-class theme parks, followed by awesome outdoor adventures, amazing food festivals, and top-notch dining spots. Orlando has all that and much more than you'd expect.

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