Read 1 Samuel 22 – 24
Highlights:
Saul orders priests and their families murdered. Protection of the Lord (1 Sam. 23:2,4,10-12); David protects the Israelites; David will not kill Saul the anointed king.
Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed (1 Sam. 24:10).
David had every earthly reason to kill Saul when he got the chance. Saul had been hunting him in order to kill him for quite some time. He had even tried to kill David himself with a spear. All David's men urged him to finish Saul now.
Although there were many good reasons to kill Saul, there was one perfect reason not to kill him. God was in control of this whole situation. David knew and understood this. If he wanted to be God's man, he had to try and conduct himself in an honorable way. Therefore, David spared Saul's life even though it would have been easy to take it.
David's life was not made easier for doing this. It was still a long difficult path to him becoming king. However, he did in God's time become king. Sail died at battle, not in David's hand; his death evolved just as the Lord had planned.
David knew a couple of truths that many people have a hard time learning. The first is that God does not need our help enacting His plans. Yes, He chooses to use us in His plans, but that is just part of His blessing on us. The second lesson is closely connected to the first. Once God has showed us the way, we should not try to change what He is doing. It may be true that in our minds there might be an easier way to go, and that path may still be a good path. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat (Matt. 7:13).
In today's "fast food" society, we want things done our own way, and quickly. That works with most things in the world these days. You can get your food the exact way you want it in 15 minutes or less. If you want to watch a TV show, movie or sporting event, just press a button on your remote and you get it on demand.
This is all well and good for everyday natural living, but things that are of a spiritual nature do not work this way. God does His things in His time and in His way. We either go with His flow or we go astray. The heir is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father (Gal. 4:2).
God will direct us to the perfect place in our lives if we do not interfere. Our part in the plan of God is simply to follow Him wherever He leads. The problem is too often we "touch God's anointed". Who is God's anointed? In this case that I am speaking of, God's anointed is us. We often prevent God from working in our own lives. We should submit our will to Him and let God guide in the work He desires done. Remember, the blessing is to just be used by Him.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work (2 Tim. 2:21).
Thought for Today:
God's day of reckoning will come even to those with great earthly power.
Christ Revealed:
By David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God (1 Sam. 24:10-13). Christ refused to become King of Israel. When Jesus . . . perceived (knew) that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a King, He departed (John 6:15).
Word Studies:
22:4 hold, stronghold, safe place; 22:17 footmen, guards; 22:18 fell upon, attacked and murdered; 22:22 I have occasioned, I am to blame for; 23:9 practised mischief, planned harm; 23:16 strengthened his hand, encouraged his faith; 23:22 where his haunt is, where he is hiding; subtilly, craftily; 23:26 compassed, were encircling; 24:3 sheepcotes, where sheep were kept; to cover his feet, to take a nap; 24:4 privily, unobserved, secretly; 24:7 stayed, persuaded, restrained; 24:11 skirt, corner.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be content with and thankful for the things you have (Heb. 13:5).
Optional Reading: Acts 9
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25
