The Cave of Adullam

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. 1 Samuel 22:1-2

David was God's anointed King to reign over the people of Israel. But before David became King, he went through a time of rejection by the very people who should have welcomed him. David saved his people from a deadly enemy, Goliath (Read 1 Samuel 17). But instead of showing gratefulness, they chased David out and tried to kill him. Imagine that, trying to kill their savior.

But there were some, who during the days of King David�s rejection, came to him and he became their head. He was their leader. But who were these people?

1. Those in distress. Distress is extreme pain in body or mind. Body pain such as: back problems, cancer, or any other physical problems. Mind problems such as: loss of loved ones, depression, family fights. I am sure you can think of many things that can be added to this list.
2. Those in debt. In a world of greed, how often we get in debt because of loose spending. Or, when sickness comes, hospital bills pile up.
3. Those who were discontented. Nothing in this world satisfies. The things that were once a joy are now a burden. Because nothing satisfies. Discontented means: to be dissatisfied at any present state of things.

What a group this was that came to David. But David gladly received them to himself and became their leader.

But this story is a picture of another King. That King is the Lord Jesus Christ. This King came to earth over 2000 years ago and gave His life on a Cross so that He might pay for out sins to save us. But this world has rejected Him. They have rejected their Savior!

But many today find in Him the relief they need. The reason people are distressed, in debt and discontented is because this world is a world of sin. Nothing is right in this world because it has rejected its King, the Lord Jesus Christ. And if you feel any of the three items listed above, it is because God wants you to come to Christ to find in Him life and forgiveness for your sins. All of the problems that happen to people who are unsaved, happen so that God can get their attention. He wants you to see that all is in vain in this world without a Savior from sin. He is pleading with you to turn to Christ as your only Savior from sin. If you come to Him, you will be saved from your sins.

When you do come to Christ, it does not mean that all of your problems go away. Too many today only �find religion� when they are in trouble, hoping that a �god� will help them out. Remember, all of the troubles that come to a person who is lost, are designed with the intention that he will realize that he is a sinner in need of salvation from sin. Troubles in this world are only a symptom, SIN is the disease! But all of the troubles that happen to a Christian are for the purpose of teaching him that this world is not his home, and that the Christian needs to depend on his Lord through prayer and the Word of God.

Dear reader, are you distressed? Are you in debt? Are you discontented? Then listen to the voice of your Savior in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me...

Notice, we are to come �unto ME,� (Him) not a religion; come to a Person, not a thing.

...all ye that labour and are heavy laden...

Like those who came to David, distressed, in debt, and discontented: laboring in sin, burdened because of living in a sinful dying world.

...and I will give you rest.

Rest from your sin because He paid for it when He died on the cross.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me...

Now that you have come to Christ for salvation, give Him your whole life and learn of Him through the written Word.

...for I am meek and lowly in heart...

He is never going to leave you, He is a gracious Lord.

...and ye shall find rest unto your souls...

Not rest from troubles in your body or the world, but rest for your soul; this will enable you to go through the troubles in your body with joy.

...For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

When Christ saves you and calls you into His service, He will provide all that you need to live for Him.

Come to Christ, and and accept his free gift of salvation unto eternal life!