Scripture

“No!” David said.” For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one?”

Observation

Saul takes 3000 of Israel’s elite troops and resumes his hunt for David.

David goes over to Saul’s camp under the cover of darkness. David takes Abishai with him into the camp.

They find Saul asleep in his tent with a spear and a jug of water next to his head. David takes the spear and jug and sneaks out of the camp.

He wakes up Saul’s men and points out that he again has had a chance to kill Saul, but refuses to lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed one.

Application

This verse is often used in the context of church disputes, particularly those involving a pastor.

While there are times when it is right for a congregation to dismiss a pastor, the general principle is that we should not undermine, attack, or move against the “Lord’s anointed one.”

Even in this case, where David is being hunted down by a demon possessed King Saul, David refuses to attack the Lord’s anointed.

Rather than attacking a pastor that you disagree with, we should try to see what God is doing in the situation. Is the pastor actually doing or saying what is necessary? Is there some lesson the Lord is trying to teach us? How can I use this situation to grow in my love for the Lord?

When it does come to a point of removing a leader, the church must always act in a way that honours Christ. Everything must be done accordance with God’s order and, above all, love must reign.

Prayer

Lord, conflict is hard at times. Please help me to handle disagreements in a way that honours you. Amen.