Safe with Persecuted Christ

David's story - we see similar things on TV. In this case it was part of a pattern - the child of this world persecuting the child of God. It is amazing that he can offer safety to another victim. Here is a picture of Jesus, rejected by men but offering salvation. King Saul gives a picture of both Satan (with the madness of evil) and of Adam (in rebellion against God and suffering as a result). Saul suspects everyone of conspiring against him, even his son and the High Priest. He can only succeed with the collusion of Doeg. In Psalm 52 David mocks Doeg's claim to be a 'mighty man'. He expresses disgust at Doeg's preference of evil over good, and his deceitful talk. He also regards it as futile because 'God's goodness endures forever'. It reminds us of Psalm 2 where the futility of sin is exposed. By contrast the Priest Ahimelech helps David. He even disregards religious ritual (though God-given) in favour of saving David's life. Jesus referred to that when he defended his disciples against the Pharisees - the moral law should never be broken, but since it is summed up in the duty of love we may set aside religious ceremonies when they get in the way of 'saving' life. Jesus and Ahimelech are contrasted with Saul and Doeg - 'not to destroy men's lives but to save them'. Meantime David is an onlooker. And that is where we find ourselves at times - caught in the struggle between good and evil. David was able to offer refuge to the dead priest's son because he had God's promise of the kingdom. Similarly, Jesus offers shelter to sinners on the basis of the Father's promises to him and the kingdom he has now inherited. Our refuge is in Jesus' blood and power.