Daily Devotion - SLAUGHTER THE PRIESTS // LIES THAT KILL

How many more must die over your white lies?

“It is more from carelessness about truth than from intentional lying that there is so much falsehood in the world.” - Samuel Johnson

Morning Prayer: “O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.” - from Psalm 141

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22

Summary: David escapes to the Cave of Abdullam, where his family and a group of disgruntled and distressed people join him, forming a loyal band. Saul, threatened by David’s growing influence and support in the region, orders the execution of the priests at Nob for aiding him, even though their assistance was predicated on David’s lie about why he had come to Nob. Abiathar, the sole survivor, escapes and flees to David, telling him what has happened and offers his protection and support as he continues to evade Saul.

Quick Hit

• There Is No Such Thing As A White Lie - Having fled to Nob to escape Saul’s wrath, David lied to the priest about his reason for being there. Instead of truthfully revealing that he was evading the king, David instead told Ahimelech that he was on a secret errand from the king. This probably seemed like a justifiable white lie to help him escape from Saul, but a short time later, it resulted in the deaths of 85 priests, and eventually, the entire city of Nob. There is no such thing as a “little sin” or a “private sin,” no matter how trivial or justified it may seem in the moment. All sin must be confessed, repented of, and dealt with immediately.