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“The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you (Saul) into my (David’s) hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.” (I Samuel 26:23-24, NIV)

David had many good reasons — and opportunities — to reward Saul for all of the evil that Saul had done to him, but David had no excuse to avenge himself.

Being a faithful disciple of Jesus means forgoing the exercise of our human “rights” in order to grasp divine peace.

David reminds us that the grace we extend to others is multiplied and returned to us, not by the recipient (it is a bridge too far for some people to return kindness and mercy in any measure); but by the Lord God!

While our neighbors may be the beneficiaries of our restraint, it is the Lord God who sees all; and “rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness.” Always live for the audience of One! – Luther

Tagged David, revenge, Saul, the book of 1 Samuel

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“Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.’ And Saul offered up the burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:7b-9, NIV)

The prophet Samuel had told Saul to wait for his arrival. As Saul waited for the man of God to arrive, things began to get tight: Many of his soldiers deserted. Those who remained were filled with fear.

So, Saul took matters into his own hands — in direct opposition to what he had been told, and knew from experience to be true. The fallout of Saul’s disobedience was severe.

Like Saul, we are also pressed to act contrary to God’s will and to God’s word. Sometimes, it is because our situation seems grim and begs for action. Sometimes, it is because the expectations of others influences our resolve to stand fast.

However, to be a faithful disciple of Jesus means to stand where God has placed us; or to do what God has told us. Resolve to stand in faithful obedience to God until hell freezes over — then stand on the ice! – Luther

Reminder: As normally done, Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow. Have a great day in worship! The risen Lord reigns! Hallelujah!

Tagged disobedience, impatience, Saul, the book of 1 Samuel

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“But David said to Abishai, ‘Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives,’ he said, ‘the LORD himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.’” (I Samuel 26:9-11, NIV)

David had many opportunities to “tip the scale” against his nemesis, Saul; but David refused because he recognized that Saul — despite Saul’s wickedness — was still anointed of God.

As disciples of Jesus, we have within us God’s own Holy Spirit. Furthermore, all people are created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, we all belong to God — even when we rebel against His authority.

Take care with how you treat others. Resist opportunities to “tip the scale” against others. God sees all; and God is faithful to deal with the evil deeds of others in ways that are far above and beyond anything that we might devise. – Luther

Tagged Abishai, David, revenge, Saul, the book of 1 Samuel