http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2021-24&version=NIV
David – slayer of giants, anointed as one who would become King of Israel. It doesn’t seem right that he should be fleeing for his life and hiding from King Saul and his men. And yet, that’s where he finds himself. I’m certain that David didn’t face this without frustration. I’m certain he had plenty of questions. I certain one of them must have been, “Lord, how can I be king if I am dead?” His circumstances most certainly don’t seem to fit into God’s declared plan and purpose for his life. This is where we learn some valuable lessons from David’s plight and they way that David handled it. Lessons such as:
Even people of God will be attacked. Living under God’s protection means that although he sometimes protects us from attacks, he more often works as our defender while we are under attack. God’s word does not say no weapon shall be formed against you – it says that no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Although God will protect us, we also must exercise wisdom to put into place the means of protection God provides and take the ways of escape when he gives them. God gave David a sword because he asked the priest for it – he didn’t wait for God to hand him one. He received protection of people because he sought it out. We are active, not passive participants in protection.
We are not, however, active participants in God’s justice. Notice that David did not try to exact justice on Saul, even though he had the opportunity. Instead, he bowed to God’s sovereign justice, purpose, and timing – he says, “May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.” – 1 Sam. 24:15
When someone comes against us, we must be cautious to remain blameless. David demonstrates this when he chooses not to kill Saul, even when encouraged to do so. He remains blameless so as not to give Saul or any others reason to find fault with his actions. When someone is coming against us, our righteous response stands in stark contrast to their wrong-doing – a strong witness of our character to all who observe – including those who come against us. He rightly tells Saul, “Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me.” (1 Sam. 24:11-12) Notice that David’s righteousness in contrast to Saul’s evil even brought Saul to a moment of repentance.
When God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, he will put it into place. David knew God, knew this truth, stood on it and acted according to it. We do not have to things into our own hands. At the same time, we are again active participants in God’s plan – we seek him, listen to him, move when we feel him prompt us, stop when he says stop. We trust in his unfailing love and faithfulness. Blessed are those who wait on the Lord!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
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Prov 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.
ReplyDeleteLike we are seeing in Saul, most strife among us is rooted in vain glory. This means people tear down others out of envy and jealousy so they in turn will look better. Even among us believers we can find it hard to keep the unity of the faith when someone has a case of vain glory and is tearing us down. If the 12 disciples of Christ often argued among themselves would be the greatest, don’t find it strange if we run into the same problems in the church.
We can find it easy to believe the blood of Christ covers our sins but what about the sins of the one who is sinning against us? Like today’s message is saying, we must forbear with one another (just overlook some offenses against us) knowing the Lord will take care of us. We must esteem others better than ourselves and we must pray for those who are despitefully using us.