Praise the Lord, Grace & Peace great people of our “Great God” …JESUS!

We often acclaim to the positive reflection that give us positive affirmations when it comes to being elevated in Jesus Christ. But we must also accept what comes with elevation. I have always ascribed to the statement “Favor is Fair,” yet I am not ignorant of the fact that with it comes opposition from many who will not celebrate your successes, unless it is orchestrated and led by them; or you are being put in position to exceed them. Elevation in God comes with much affliction from Satan, and those that he uses to try to impede your future successes, as was experienced by many, such as; David, Nehemiah, Jerimiah, Jesus Christ, Paul, etc. Hence, for this Golden Nugget  I would like to provoke the thought, “Sometime You Got to be The Cave Dweller in WAITING” To provoke further gospel provocation, I present the following scriptures to support my premise!

Psa. 75:6-7“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.  But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

1 Sa. 18:7-11 “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.”

1 Sa. 19:10 “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.”

1 Sa. 22:1-2 “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.”

ADULLAM….their testimony; their prey; their ornament

Even though David was anointed to be king of Israel, his elevation called for him to endure the hatred, and reproach from the ruling power at that time. It is obvious David was loved by all those who saw the Lords anointing on him, and hence, the people saw his worth. This special favor upon David made it impossible for Saul, and David to dwell together. One of the main reasons that stood out to me was, that their principles were totally different. David knew he was anointed to be king, yet Saul occupied the throne; but it was obvious that David was willing and quite content to wait in meekness, while he waited for the Lord.

It is obvious that until his season came, David was led of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, into a path of being in exile. His way of ascending to the throne, came through many sorrows and difficulties; and proves that he was called to suffer like his LORD; (Jesus Christ) who he so often prophesized about in his Psalms; prior to His full glory being reveal!

We see that amid such a great victory against the giant in the valley of Elah, David is confronted with envious looks and heartless attempts upon his life, while rendering due diligence in servitude, as he played his harp to sooth the antagonizing, and raging spirit which rested upon King Saul. It did not matter how soothing David’s notes were on the harp, nor how valiant he was in his exploits with his sling, and the beheading of the giant with his own sword; he was a despised young man.

He was despised because God rejected King Saul as stated in 1 Sa. 15:22-23 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Hence, Saul’s perpetuation on the throne ended, as ordained by God; and given to David as an everlasting throne. Saul chose to render a Javelin in place of love to David. Hence, this scripture will always be fulfilled in those who are the anointed of the Lord; Isa 54:17“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

It is a fact that the Lord in His mercy kept His dear servant David, amid all the intricacies of his extremely difficult circumstances. 1 Sa.18:14-16 “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.”

It is obvious that David would have served Saul to the end, because he honored him as “the Lord’s anointed.” Please know that if David only had to move one of his fingers to ascend to the throne, he still would not have taken advantage of the situation. There were numerous occasions when David could have taken Saul’s life, while Saul chose to be an adversary to David! Yet, David waited upon the Lord to elevate him for the kingdom designated for him. He knew God was his strength, his elevation, and his source. This is why David stated; in Psa. 62:5“My soul wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him.”

Hence, we see that David was carried joyfully through all the snares, and dangers that afforded his path; while being a faithful servant in the household, and army of Saul! The Lord shows us how He delivers David from every evil work formed against him, as he walked by faith to obtain the kingdom he was anointed for. As it was with David; so, it is with us, God’s purpose is to elevate us “after we have suffered a while.”

It’s imperative that we note that David had derived from a place of secret discipline and training, when he cared for his father’s sheep in the pasture. It was this former subtle training that prepared him for the battlefield, and greater endeavors to lead the Lord’s people. Did not Jesus say concerning what we perform in our secret prayer closet experiences, would manifest outwardly!

Sometimes the Lord’s lessons can be painful and difficult, because of the waywardness, and indolence of our hearts. I have learned as a child of God, that every fresh lesson learned, every fresh principle imbibed, prepares us for greater things to experience in Jesus Christ!

My brothers and sisters it is a blessing to be a meek, humble, and patient disciples of Jesus Christ, as we yield ourselves to him while in training! This training most definitely entails pain, temptations, burdens, and so much more; but Jesus has already informed us in Matt. 11:28-30 to “Come to Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Only Jesus can give us this rest because He is the full essence of the Sabbath! Hence, it is imperative that we understand the three rests spoken of in these Scriptures. First is the Rest that Sinners find in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Second is the present Rest as Saints, that we find in being entirely subjected to the will of God; which is contra-wise to restlessness; and Third is the Rest that remains for the people of God, when Jesus Christ raptures us out of here! Glory! GOLDEN NUGGET!

It was being in subjection to the Holy Spirit, that led David to leave physically a kingdom that he was anointed to rule, which at that time was ruled by Saul; and go reside in the lonely cave of Adullam. It was because of God’s promise, that David left his destiny in the hands of the Lord, believing by faith that what was ordain, would be fulfilled in its proper season. Hence, everything was going to be alright!

Wow my brothers and sister, how often do we find ourselves affiliated with unhealthy environments. David found himself affiliated with a very unhealthy atmosphere in Saul’s house, in spite of all its honor and prosperity; yet David was made happy without its comforts, in the cave of Adullam. I recall the Apostle Paul stating to King Agrippa that “I think myself happy!” Hence, David was content and happy at the designated time to flee from Saul, and his jealous rage.

David was able breath more freely dwelling in a cave, than dwelling in the king’s court. Please note Saints, that the spirit of anointing had departed from Saul, and now rested on David! The scriptures validate this in 2 Co. 3:17“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Anyone with reasonable intellect will not have a difficult time in distinguishing between these two things; that separation, in subjection to God; renders serious fellowship with Him!

The lonely Cave of Adullam as a shadow of things to come, was a hiding place in Jesus Christ! A place to learn more about him through fervent reflections beyond fear. A place to be stripped of all past accomplishments, in order to be prepare for new heights, and experiences in God.

As we view the antagonist Saul, we see him from a total carnal perspective. He proves that he only has a religious point of view, without an inward capacity to really know the Lord. Hence, this is why we can only view Saul carnally. Saul had manifested this throughout his reign, he desired to rule in religious matters; in absence of maintaining a relationship with God. This is more than apparent when we read 1 Sam. 14, when the administration of the Holy Spirit was hindered by Saul’s carnal religious rule. When this methodology is enthralled, there can be no other alternative but separation. I have come to experience, that when one operates in such form, without a solemn word from the Holy Spirit in order to maintain power to prevail, “From such turn away.” Our faith should never cease to inquire, “which way should I go”? As children of God, we are perpetually told what to turn away from, hence; when we walk in obedience, we shall perpetually rest in the promises of Jesus Christ! GOLDEN NUGGET!

My brothers and sisters, the fact of the matter is, David was forced into a place of separation, and hence, as a rejected man anointed of God; we see him as a type of Jesus Christ who was rejected and despised of men! David was, in principle, God’s king, and as such, experienced man’s hostility, by being driven into exile to avoid death. The cave of Adullam became the great gathering point for all who loved David; who were weary of the unrighteous rule of Saul. As long as David remained in the king’s house, there could not be a godly environment for anyone to separate; but the moment the rejected David took his place outside, many desired not to remain neutral; hence we read in 1 Sa.22:2 “Every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.”

Saints, here marks the process of demarcation! It was clearly a choice between David, or Saul. All who loved a form of godliness, but denied the power thereof, to embrace an empty name, title, and a powerless office, continued to adhere to Saul; but all who were dissatisfied with these things, and loved the presence of God’s anointed king, flocked around him in the Cave of Adullam. In spirit; the prophet, priest, and king were there, and also, the thoughts and sympathies of God were there.

Those who joined David’s environment, knew that their interest, and his were identical. Their discontent, their distress, their debt, were all forgotten in their new experience. The grace upon David was their present portion; and the glory of David was their future prospect.

It is the same today with us Saints, when Jesus hides us, and isolates us for our appointed season. It is through His grace, and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, that we draw closer to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is still rejected by so many. There is no doubt, that we all have had our respective features of character in our days of guilt and foolishness! Many days in discontent, some in distress, misery, ruin, void of everything that represents the peace we found in Jesus Christ. I thank and praise God, He has led us to the feet of His dear Jesus, where we have found pardon, peace, and faith, through His precious blood; and the power of the Holy Ghost which helps to remove our discontent, alleviates our distress, cancels our debt, and brings of near every day to conform to His character. GOLDEN NUGGET!

My question for all of us who are in a season of isolation in our designated cave, what are we giving in return for all the grace God has afforded us? Will we continue to gather around the captain of our salvation, or stay in a King Saul state of mind, and environment! Are we weaned from the state of things under King Saul? Are we living as those who are waiting for the day when our David shall mount the throne? Are our affections set upon things above? The Apostle Paul concluded in Col. 3:1-4 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”

It is from my observation, that very few really enter into the true nature, and practical consequences that entail the position to be associated with our crucified, and risen Lord Jesus. Especially during this era of Laodicea, which is represented in ineptness; very few really enter into the depths and meaning of our Lord’s words, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world”; nor of the Holy Spirit who validates that, “The Sanctifier and the sanctified are all of one.” Saint’s it is FACT that the measure of a saint’s separation from the world, is nothing less than Christ; I speak to the principals of separation, and hence; it is imperative that we strive to enforce those principle.

I truly believe that a Saints heavenly calling is in virtue of what Christ is, and where He is. Paul stated in Eph. 2:1-6 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”  Hence, our hearts have been instructed by the Holy Spirit as it pertains to Heb. 2:11-12  “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” 

It is because of what is documented in the scriptures, that perpetually gives us power and deliverance from the derogatory; principles, habits, pursuits, feelings, and tendencies, that exist in this present evil age.

So, in essence what does the Cave of Adullam have to do with the Church’s place in the heavens? I perceive it to illustrate, our present place of rejection, as we hide in Jesus Christ, in order to embrace fellowship with Him. I am sure at the time that David, nor his men knew anything literally about the Church, as we know now. As we study, we frequently discover in Old Testament Scriptures, the foreshadowing of the heavenly calling in the character, walk, and circumstances, of many individuals we read about in the Word of God!

This heavenly calling, literally speaking, was not experienced until the Lord Jesus took His seat on high, and the Holy Ghost was sent down, to baptize believers; both Jew and Gentile, into one body, in all its power and fullness. This truth was committed to Paul; it was an essential part of the mystery committed to him, and was embodied in these words, “Why persecutest thou ME?” Saul was persecuting the saints, and the Lord Jesus appeared to him in heavenly glory, and told him that these saints were part of Himself; His body on earth. Hence, this became Paul’s great thesis; because in it involved the oneness of the Church in Christ Jesus, and its heavenly calling.

Therefore, as David’s men were withdrawn from all connections with Saul’s system, by virtue of their association with him; so, it is for all those who are led by the Holy Spirit, to experience their oneness with the rejected Jesus Christ.

My brothers and sister, if you ask a godly person, that is striving to personify the character of our Lord Jesus Christ; why they do not want to live in the excessive ideologies of this evil world? Their reply should be; “because Christ is at the right hand of God, in whom I identify with. Jesus was cast out by this world, and hence, we take our place with Him. All who understand the true nature of our heavenly calling, will walk in separation from this world’s ideology. Those who do not, will just take their terrestrial portion here, and live as others; who choose not to identify with Christ!

It is more than obvious that many are satisfied with the mere knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, but never think of going any further. They have passed through the Red Sea, but manifest no desire to cross the river Jordan, and eat the old corn of the land of promise.

Just as it was in the day of Saul’s rejection of David; many of the Israelites did not embrace David. It was one thing to be an Israelite; it was another thing to be a follower of David in the Cave of Adullam. Even though Saul’s son Jonathan was very close to David, he was not there; because he still adhered to the old system of things. Even though he loved David as his own soul, he lived and died, in companionship with his father Saul. It is documented that he often spoke on behalf ofDavid, and from time to time sought to be in his company whenever he could.

It would be so awesome if those who profess to love Jesus Christ, would decide to identify with Him during times of rejection! Our hearts should always desire to be where He is. It is so valuable to experience the fellowship found in the cave of Adullam; where the Prophet, Priest, and King are found, which embodies in the beloved Person of Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.

Figuratively we cannot walk with Saul and David at the same time. We cannot hold on to Christ and the world; we have to make a choice. The Lord renders us grace to reject the evil, and choose the good. Please remember the solemn words of the Apostle Paul, which is a faithful saying: 2 Tim. 2:11-13 “For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”

David’s men were called, based on their association with him, as they experienced much toil and fatigue, but the love they had for David and his cause, made it easy to them. It was because of their fellowship, and association; their names and exploits are recorded, and were faithfully remembered when David acquired his kingdom, via the route the Cave of Adullam. Hence, none of them were forgotten according to 2 Samuel, chapter 23.

My brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ shall reward all His faithful servants, who love to fellowship in His Spirit, and have rendered acts of service for Him in the time of their rejection. A lot of these acts may not be seen, known, or even thought of by men; but Jesus knows them, and He will publicly declare them from the throne of His glory. Those of you who may be experiencing levels of rejections by those who may be intimidated, and jealous due to the anointing and grace that is upon you; please continue to be patient, and diligent in the things of God, knowing that “Sometime You Got to be the Cave Dweller in WAITING” May the Lord continue to enlighten you, and bless you. Have a “JESUS DAY!”