1 Sam 24:12 May the Lord judge between the two of us and vindicate me; but my hand will not be raised against you.
God had rejected Saul, but he remained king. Samuel had already anointed David to be the next king. Then evil people convinced Saul that David was planning his demise. Saul’s wounded pride, and those lies, blinded his reason. He became possessed by a hatred against David. With soldiers, the king set out to hunt down and destroy the shepherd-warrior. One day, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. It was the very cave in which David and his men were hiding. David’s men said, “How could it be any clearer: God has given your enemy into your hands.” Instead of killing Saul, David merely cut off a piece of his robe. What happened next is both challenging and inspiring!
As Saul left the cave, David followed. He called out, “My lord! Oh king!” Saul turned around seeing David on his knees with his face to the ground! David then asked, “Why do you listen to people who say, ‘David is trying to harm you?’ Today God delivered you into my hands. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I had mercy. I will not harm my lord, for you are the Lord’s chosen. Look, my father, at the fabric in my hand. I am not planning evil or a rebellion. Even though I have not sinned against you, you are waiting to take my life. May the Lord judge between the two of us, and vindicate me. It’s like the old proverb that says, ‘From evil people evil proceeds.’ But my hand will not be against you.”
What a powerful example for us. David honored Saul as king and pleaded with him as a father. He put the judgement of Saul’s accusations and actions in God’s hands. He treated Saul with mercy but challenged him to stop listening to lying people bent on causing division and strife. As Christians, we need to follow this challenging example from David. We must allow the Holy Spirit to stay our emotions as we respectfully confront those who are blinded by hatred. Many people are waiting in ambush – on social media, in the work place, on the streets, and even in our homes – to destroy lives. We are to speak the truth … in love. When others are hateful and aggressive, that is a hard thing to do. In the end, we must put the outcome in the hands of our just and merciful Lord. “Jesus – help us not to repay evil for evil. Give us peace and wisdom. Be the judge between us and those who are intent on destruction, as we pray for all who are blinded by hatred.”