1 Samuel 18-19

In these two chapters of first Samuel we have a very clear picture of the above verse from Luke. Saul is Israel's king. So his job is to honor God and govern the people. But we see in these verses that his primary concern is neither of these things, but himself. Despite the fact that Saul knows God is with David (18:12) he continues to carry out more and more obviously wicked plans against him, displaying his disdain for both David and God. So Saul exalts himself above both God and man, and because of this he is not just humbled but humiliated (19:23-24).

Then we see the beautiful faith and character of David. He is clearly a bold man of courage, but his victories in battle have not made him proud.  He is bold because of his confidence in God, not in himself: i.e. he is humble (17:46-47). We see David's humility in his response when Saul asks him to marry each of his daughters, when David lets his wife save him from his enemies, and when he trusts Jonathan. We know that in the end David is exalted to king and from his line comes the King of kings!

What can account for these differences? "Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul." (18:12). There is something different about you too if you are in Christ, "for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'(Hebrews 13:5)." Walk boldly today! Not because you are awesome, but because God is.