1 Samuel 24:3 [Saul] came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.
There are few times in life when one is as vulnerable as when attending to the call of nature. Saul has made David’s life a nightmare with his jealous, bitter rage. David was reduced to running for his life and hiding in caves. And now God delivers Saul to him. Saul is at his mercy. David’s men are encouraging him. But David has a heart for God. David has not given himself over to bitterness, anger, and jealousy. He didn’t seek revenge. He sought God.
1 Samuel 24:4 The men said, “This is the day the LORD spoke of when He said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
I have a tendency to allow myself to get caught up in anger and bitterness. It’s darkly consuming. It never ends well. David might have felt a momentary thrill of victory if he had killed Saul, but when the rush of anger faded, he would have realized the error of his actions. And it would have been way too late.
1 Samuel 24:10 “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 lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Anger and jealousy can take on a vengeful life of their own. Thank You for the God-centered humility that David shows in this chapter. Thank You that his humility isn’t human weakness but strength in You. Help me not to give myself over to anger and bitterness. Help me to seek Your face always. Give me strength. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 24:19 “When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.