Monday Thought – February 22, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

Saul pursued David and his men, intent on killing David. David fled from place to place seeking safety. He stayed for a time at En Gedi near the Dead Sea and Saul came pursuing him. An easy opportunity to kill Saul was presented to David.

“A cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, ‘This is the day the Lord spoke of, “I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.”’ David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.’ David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. Saul left the cave and went his way.” (1 Samuel 24:3-7)

David did not take advantage of the opportunity to kill Saul. He was unwilling to take matters into his own hands. David refused to be the one who would remove Saul from the position to which God had appointed him. David called out to Saul from a distance,

“‘My lord the king!’ When Saul looked David bowed down with his face to the ground. He said, ‘Why do you listen when men say, “David is bent on harming you”? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, “I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.” Look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion.’” (1 Samuel 24:8-11)

David would not use ungodly means to save his life. He chose to trust God to deal with Saul and to protect him.

At times people are intent on doing something wrong to us. The question is, How will we respond to their wrong? David responded to ungodliness with righteousness. Will we?

His, by Grace, Steve