I'd like you to take a moment to reflect on the individuals who have profoundly shaped your spiritual journey. Perhaps it was a parent, a grandparent, a Bible class teacher, an elder, a preacher, or a dear friend whose faith shone brightly and guided your steps. Their wisdom, encouragement, and very presence often served as a steadying force in our lives. But what happens when that powerful spiritual influence is removed? Do we maintain the same course, holding fast to the truths they instilled, or do we risk straying into the wilderness of our own desires? When those who helped us navigate toward our heavenly home are gone, what will keep us from losing sight of the destination? A scene in the life of David, particularly after the death of the prophet Samuel, offers a compelling look at this very crossroads.

1. David Before Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 24

a. Saul mercilessly sought to kill David. | vv. 1-3; cf. 1 Sam 18:10-11, 29; 19:11; 20:30-33 

b. But David graciously spared Saul’s life. | vv. 4-7

c. He pleaded with Saul to end his pursuit. | vv. 8-22

d. Psalms 57 and 142 reflect David’s God-trusting mood during this time. 

2. Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 25:1a

a. For Israel, he was a prophet, judge, and the anointer of kings. | 1 Sam 3:20; 7:15-17; 10:1-27

b. But for David, he was a mentor and spiritual influencer. | 1 Sam 16:12-13; 19:18-24

c. His death represented a significant loss for the nation and David alike. | v. 1a 

3. David After Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 25:1b-42

a. David exiled himself in the wilderness of Paran. | v. 1b; cf. Num 12:16-14:45

b. Nabal, a man David helped during this time, disrespected him and his men. | vv. 2-11

c. So, David impulsively sought to kill Nabal and all his men. | vv. 12-13; contrast: Psa 57:2-3

d. But Abigail wisely restrained David from seeking his own vengeance. | vv. 14-42

e. With his moral compass reoriented, David will spare Nabal and Saul’s lives. | 1 Sam 26:1-25

4. When the strong spiritual voices that have guided us fall silent, we may find ourselves more easily swayed by our weaknesses and risk losing our way on the path they have helped us see.

5. Preparing for Spiritual Transition:

a. Stay alert to the temptations that arise following the loss of a spiritual mentor. | Act 20:28-32

b. Follow their faithful example to share in their reward. | 2 Tim 3:10-4:8

c. Teach spiritual self-sufficiency over spiritual dependency. | 2 Pet 1:3-15

We often find ourselves reflecting on what those we’ve lost would have wanted for us. We might think, “Oh, they would have loved this,” or “They would have wanted that.” While such sentiments are nice, if we could hear their voices from the other side of eternity, I believe their deepest desire would echo the profound wisdom of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: “Let us hear the end of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” From David, we saw how easily one can stray when a strong spiritual influence is removed. Those who have gone before us wouldn’t want us to falter in our faith or lose our way. So, let’s honor the memory by living a life that truly matters for eternity until we join them in God’s everlasting presence.