FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-36

Divine rule conflicts with demonic rule. Some kings yield to their flesh in greater degrees than others. We see that conflict between Saul and David in 1 Samuel 17:32-36. These verses state, “Then David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.’” Saul was called to lead the army, but because he was more interested in securing his own kingdom than obeying God, he could not swing the rod of iron necessary to fell the giant. Because David was more interested in obeying God than building a kingdom, he could use God’s anointing and strike with the rod of iron. David, in the course of shepherding, had met both the lion and bear. And he found that God’s anointing was enough to kill them both. Most people do not go after a lion and a bear with a stick like a shepherd’s rod. But when the anointing is present, that stick is more than a piece of wood in your hand – it is a rod of iron that is backed by all of heaven itself and nothing can live when you swing it against the enemy. David was qualified to swing the rod of iron. Saul was disqualified from swinging the rod of iron. And history records the rest. What is history going to record about us? What is history going to record about our use of God’s power? Are we paying the price to live a life that would stand up for Jesus and swing a rod of iron? Are we willing to swing it on ourselves so we can qualify to swing it for God out in the world? Saul would not discipline his own flesh to obey God. David did discipline his flesh to obey God. Observe the difference. You and I are writing history with Jesus every single day. What is history going to record for us? Are we willing to pay the price to swing the rod of iron? Jesus made us a King and Priest. Now rule your flesh so history can record that you are a giant-slayer! Eternity will rejoice. Loose the rod on political filth.