Compromises In A Killbox | 1 Samuel 24:1-3

Have you been exposed to or exploited by a compromise?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 24 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Decisions That Make Or Break Leaders."

Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi, and this week, our story in Chapter 24 takes place here. So let's settle in 1 Samuel 24:1-3:

When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. — 1 Samuel 24:1-3

Engedi is a beautiful oasis on the west side of the Dead Sea. You can still visit this location today; it looks like it did in David's time. It is a natural and untouched region.

Engedi means "Spring of the Wild Goats" because the location features a beautiful natural, cold, freshwater spring that travels down a cavernous ravine opening toward the east. The source of freshwater attracted mountain goats, and in David's time, this area would have been covered in goats. Thus, Engedi is rightly named "Spring of the Wild Goats."

So David and his 600 men retreat to this location to escape Saul. The only problem with the area is that it was a kill box. Once you travel the ravine back to spring, there is no means of escape unless you are a mountain goat. The caverns were impossible to climb as they were rocky and dangerous. So David and his men have to resort to hiding in a cave, probably not one cave, but many since there were 600 men and hundreds of possible caves in this location.

This is the first time in our story that David is trapped and finds it impossible to run from Saul. David has been trying to run and avoid conflict with Saul, but now confrontation is inevitable. And wouldn't you know it, Saul has to duece. At least, that is what I would assume. If Saul has to take a leak, he is with 3000 men and takes a leak on the nearest rock, but that is not what he does. Saul enters a cave, lowers his pants, and squats to relieve himself. But out of all the caves in the Engedi, he happens into the one David is in. Coincidence? I think not!

David is in a compromising situation, but so is Saul. David is trapped, and Saul has his pants down. Now David has a decision to make, which we will see play out tomorrow.

All believers eventually find themselves on either side of a compromise. Either we have been exposed to a compromise, or we have been tempted to exploit a compromise. These moments test our integrity, beliefs, values, and, most importantly, our faith in an uncompromising God.

Believers don't make compromises. They live and lead without compromise. These opportunities come in many forms but usually appear as alluring shortcuts that promise instant gratification but steal lasting gratification. So when you feel pressured to compromise, ask yourself: What will my actions reveal about my relationship with God? Then, turn back to an uncompromising decision because any other decision would be a crappy decision.

#IntegrityMatters, #LeadershipDecisions, #FaithOverCompromise

Ask This:

1. In what areas of your life have you felt pressured to make compromises?
2. How can you resist the temptation to make compromises moving forward?

Do This:

Don't compromise.

Pray This:

Father, help me recognize the moments of compromise in my life and give me the strength to stand firm in my integrity. May my decisions reflect my faith in You and lead others to see Your unwavering truth. Amen.

Play This:

God of All My Days.