May Your Adversaries Join You In Worship

Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.”...
When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. Word came to Saul, “David is at Ramah.” So he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it and sent more men and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time and they also prophesied.
Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Seku. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said.
So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his garments and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. That is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 
1 Samuel 19:11-24
When God asked Samuel to anoint David as king to replace Saul, Samuel was scared and he responded, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me?” But God gave him wisdom and protection and he was able to carry out the divine order. Saul was bent on maintaining the throne even at the cost of murdering the prophet of God. He would allow nothing and no one to take his power away. David was his next target.

Consumed by the desire to hold on to power at all costs and driven by an abhorrent spirit of jealousy, Saul was fixated on killing David. Three times, he tried to kill David by pinning him to the wall with his spear but David escaped. For the rest of Saul’s kingship, his greatest focus was not to worship God and seek the well-being of Israel, but rather to ensure that David was put to death! David escaped to Samuel.

It is rather interesting that the only protection Samuel offered David was to take him to a gathering of prophets who were worshipping God through prophecy.  Saul sent men three times to capture David but each group joined in prophesying. Finally, Saul himself went after David but the Holy Spirit overpowered him and he lay down naked all day and all night, prophesying! Surely, God has a sense of humor! David’ s adversary was converted into a worshipper!

As you deal with adversarial situations, may you find strength in worship; and may God surround you with prophetic worshippers who will encourage you in the LORD. May God turn your detractors into Worshippers. May the Spirit of God mercifully and graciously touch your adversaries and may they experience the power of God as they join you in worship!

Prayer: Father, you created me for worship. In my times of trial, may I turn to you in worship. May my adversaries also be turned by your Spirit into Worshippers. Amen