In terms of application there are obvious implications for missionary work. Sending men to be trained, planting new churches, praying for the work of ministry, supporting that work with our finances. The work of Christ continues through his church and we are all called to support that work. At a more personal level, given the fact that our passage has celebrated the shrewdness of David, perhaps we should also focus in on the same. Specifically how we can be shrewd when it comes to playing our part in the work of evangelism.
In Matthew 10:16, when Jesus spoke to his disciples, he encouraged them to be shrewd like snakes and innocent like doves. Wise in the use of time and resources. Specifically, if we consider also the parable from Luke 16, using our resources to win friends for the gospel. Exactly what this will look like in practice is worth reflection. It certainly has a bearing on the way that we vote and have a say in who gets to fill leadership positions. It makes sense that we will try to promote and support Christian candidates as opposed to those who want to limit religious freedom. Also in our general living, we might know that a friend will join us for worship if it is combined with an invitation to dinner...or that a neighbour always come home at a certain time and seems eager to chat if he sees you then...or that our children listen better early in the morning rather than late at night…there are lots of ways we can be shrewd when it comes to evangelism and discipleship.
1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”