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.

Scripture
“When the Lord has done all he has promised and his made you leader of all Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and violence.”

Observation
David moves to the wilderness of Maon. A man named Nabal owns property near the town of Carmel.

David sends some messengers to see if Nabal will provide him with supplies. They remind him that when his shepherds were staying with David’s people, they protected the shepherds. Nabal is sneering in his refusal.

David’s men tell David what has happened, and one of Nabal’s servants tells Abigail, Nabal’s wife about the encounter. While David is on his way to slaughter Nabal’s household, Abigail gathers as much food as she can, and goes to seek mercy from David.

When Abigail tells Nabal what she has done, he has a stroke and dies a few days later. David asks her to marry him which she does.

Application
Foolish acts can weigh us down for a lifetime if we are not careful. Abigail pleaded with David to keep his conscience clear of bloodshed, lest this act define for the rest of his life.

Every day we hear of someone who lashes out in a moment of rage killing someone, ruining their own life as well as taking the other life. Just the other day two teenagers were killed on a local dam in a boating accident caused by an uncle’s momentary lapse of judgement.

To follow the Lord means that we let him be our guide and director. Sometimes we have to subdue emotional responses. Other times we must take care to listen to of the moment by moment leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Father, please help me to subject everything to you, and to walk with your wisdom and in your ways. Amen.