1 Samuel 18:24 Then Saul replied, “Say this to David: ‘The king desires no other bride-price except a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.'” Actually, Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.
When David the shepherd boy killed the giant Goliath with a rag and a rock, the king had promised his daughter Michal in marriage as a reward, however, King Saul who burnt with jealousy, wanted David killed hence demanded a bride-price of the vengeance of his enemies. God overturned Saul’s evil intentions and gave the Philistines into David’s hands. Hence Michal was a pricey, precious and priceless bride. However, the love of his life, mocked him when David relinquished his kingly robe, put on the priestly robe and danced before the Ark of Lord. Hence this priceless bride became a barren bride for the rest of her life. 2 Samuel 6:23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
The barren bride is a physical manifestation of a rhetorical representation of the spiritual bride who would remain fruitless if filled with pride and prejudice. As the betrothed of the Lord, we must be fruitful and useful in the hands of King Jesus. Jesus paid a high-price to redeem us from sin, sickness and satan. He defeated the enemy and delivered us from the dungeon and disease. Most times the reason that will keeps us spiritually barren is pride. Spiritual pride and prejudice will make us pompous not profitable. Michal remained the queen on the throne yet she was barren in her womb.
Beware of three viruses that will make us spiritually barren:
1. Pride: Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech. Michal mocked David as he humbled himself before God. The prince became one among the peasants and danced with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. Blowing the Shofar (rams’ horn) is the sound of liberation and forgiveness to all of Israel but to the mother of Israel Michal, it was the sound of death. All our services, sowing, charity and contributions will be in vain. Pride is the cataract that blinds us spiritually.
2. Prejudice: Proverbs 13:10a Where there is strife, there is pride. Pride and prejudice cannot be hidden. It will burst out in strife and friction. Prejudices, pessimism and perfectionism are normally geared by pride and prejudice. Michal picked up a silly fight with her husband after a joyful and jubilant day. 2 Samuel 2:20 She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” The reason behind the repulsion was arrogance. Prejudice is like scales on spiritual eyes that blindfolds the truth.
3. Pompous: Michal was born as a princess and grew up in a palace. Hence power, position and pompousness made her puffed and prideful. Little did she realise that all that she was enjoying was from the Lord. Our material prosperity and spiritual gifts come from the Lord. Pompousness tampers the truth and taints our spiritual vision.
The virus of arrogance, haughtiness and boastfulness hides the eternal productive perspective and will keep us spiritually barren and empty .
Proverb 21:24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury.
Prayer: Dear Jesus you paid a priceless price to redeem us. May the virus of pride, prejudice or worldly pompousness never make us spiritual barren and empty. Help us to be humble and productive for the Kingdom of God. Amen
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