October 24, 2013 Test

Read 1 Samuel 24

A Test

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.

FOR years someone has been your enemy, opposing your words and actions. Everywhere you go, he makes you very uncomfortable. Then one day you discover he’s done something that could ruin his reputation. The next time you see him, you could point to him and embarrass him to the point he would be out of your life. What would you do?

     David had that kind of choice. There is Saul, who has proclaimed David to be his mortal enemy, at David’s complete mercy. David’s men consider this a sign that God has delivered Saul into David’s hand.

     But David ultimately thinks otherwise. He refuses to kill Saul and even bows down to Saul. David reflects the mercy of a man who worships God more than he worships himself.

     David knows that killing Saul would have done great damage to his relationship with God. Faithfully, David relents because he understands he must not intrude into God’s plans with his sinful desires.

     Instead, David reflects God’s great mercy. “Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.” (Psalms 25:6). He also knows that God requires mercy from his people as an act of worship and obedience. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

     Sometimes we have opportunities to accuse our enemies. God’s desire is for you to reflect his mercy. 

A Moment’s Thought: Mercy glorifies God.