David's restraint

I will not stretch out my hand against my lord. — 1 Samuel 24:10

The relationship between David and King Saul is one of the strangest and most volatile recorded in the Bible. David came to Saul’s rescue on several occasions (as a harp player and as a warrior), he was best friends with the king’s son, and he married the king’s daughter. Now, don’t you think such a person would be in pretty good standing with the monarch?

Not David. Saul was out to get the former shepherd boy. Twice Saul tried to spear David while he was playing the harp for him. And later, Saul sent his troops after the young man to try to kill him.

Yet look at what happened when the two finally crossed paths and David had the chance to kill Saul. Instead of attacking him, David sneaked up and cut off a piece of his robe. Afterward, he felt guilty even for doing that (1 Samuel 24:5). When they later met face to face, David told the king, “My hand shall not be against you” (v.13). Saul saw that David had rewarded his evil with good, and he wept (vv.16-17).

Sometimes we must deal with people who are eager to bring us down — or so we think; maybe an employer or a co-worker. Like David, let’s do what God would have us do — use restraint, and keep on doing good.     — Dave Branon

I want the love that always sweetly bears

Whate’er my Father’s hand may choose to send;

I want the love that patiently endures

The wrongs that come from enemy or friend. - Anon.

READ: 1 Samuel 24

Revenge restrained is a victory gained.

The Bible in one year:

• Hosea 8-10