When The Rubber Meets The Road

1 Samuel 24:1 – 22

David was on the run. Saul had been pursuing him, heatedly. He even enlisted the assistance of his entire army to find David so he could kill him; all because of his jealousy. David fled from town to town, and wilderness to wilderness, escaping Saul's pursuit. Even the people that David and his men rescued from their enemies could not be trusted to do the same for them when they were questioned. People were ratting him out left and right, and those who didn't were killed - their entire family and all they owned.

So, David found himself and his men holed up in a cave in the wilderness of En-gedi. Saul had delayed his hunt to fight off an attack by the Philistines, but as soon as that was handled, he was right back on his most wanted man. Now, clearly, he was not in his right mind. His jealousy had caused him to victimize himself, making David - his son-in-law and son's best friend - his aggressor. All this, when in actuality, David had never done anything against him. In fact, most of what David had done was to benefit Saul. And this was how he repaid him?

For most people, the tables would have turned a long time ago and David's flight would have turned to fight. But, that was not how David operated. Indeed, the fact that he was so intent on doing God's will is what got him in this predicament. So, what happened next? Well, David's mettle was tested.

Saul was now back on his trail, but he had to go potty. So, he went off into a cave for some privacy. Little did he know, the cave he chose was the very one where David and his men were hiding. David's men, of course, urged David to take Saul out, right then and there. I mean, surely this was God delivering him into his hands so, finally, he could have rest. So, David crept forward in the cave and cut off a piece of Saul's robe.

Then the guilt hit him. Yes, this man was trying to kill him for reasons beyond either of their control, but he was also God's anointed king (for now, anyway). And because David honored God, he refused to go through with it, lest he be judged. Instead, he let Saul finish up and leave the cave otherwise untouched. But, he did follow after him to prove his innocence.

David called out to Saul and showed him the fabric he had cut from his robe. He told him that it was proof that he had no ill intent toward him, otherwise he would be dead right now. He also reminded him that God is still in control and would be the judge of both of them. Saul had no response to that. In fact, he stood there and cried, acknowledged the truth of the situation and even blessed David for his kindness. He admitted, then, what he knew all along - that David would be king, so he went so far as to ask him to have mercy on his family when that time came. Really? But, David being the man of God that he was, agreed and took an oath of it. Then they both went back to their strongholds.

Now, I know that I am not yet where David was in his walk with God, but I do intend to get there sooner than later. Honestly, though, I still think bad things about people when they treat me unfairly or unkindly. I catch myself wishing they would get what they're dishing out and worse. But in those times, I have to pray because that's when the true test is passed or failed. God already knows our outcome. He just wants to see how we will trust him through the struggle. Trust him to judge his people and fight our battles, so we can claim the victory he has promised us.

Lord, give us a heart like yours, so when hard times come, we can see our enemies as they really are. Let us always yield to your will, despite our situation or selfish desires. Remind us that you are the sovereign God and final judge of all. Even in our turmoil, let us rest in you. We thank you for your favor, Lord; even when it is the cause of others' jealousy toward us. Help us to be able to love and forgive those who trespass against us, just as you do for us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.