God is a God of Authority. He honors it and does not take it lightly when authority is dishonored. Submitting to a divine authority that misuses its powers is not easy. There are times in your life you find yourself under an authority that is mistreating you. Yet you have to apply wisdom, patience and humility when addressing such a conflict; otherwise it can bring dire consequences. This is something King David understood so well. Knowing he was the anointed king in waiting, and though King Saul sought to kill him; he did not defile himself by taking matters into his hands. You might be going through such a situation; i.e., a) an employer mistreating you, b) a husband frustrating you, c) serving under a fellow pastor who is looking down at you, or d) having a parent/inlaw who puts you down all the time. Today, I want you to learn from King David how to handle such a situation. All in all do not defile yourself. (1 Samuel 24) 1) FRIENDS CAN MISGUIDE YOU AT SUCH TIMES: 3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said[b] to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way. # - When you realize you have wronged, repent and ask God to forgive you. Tell your friends, it is not acceptable before God. It is God who places leadership. Touch not my anointed. 2) IN HUMILITY TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO MAKE PEACE 8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’?10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. # - See how David addresses King Saul with all respect that is due to him! That is where most of us go wrong….. We confront with arrogance and disrespect. Which most of the time turns against us. 3) LET THE LORD BE THE JUDGE BETWEEN YOU TWO 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you. 14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.” # Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for Gods wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord (Romans 12:19) 4) GOD WILL MAKE THOSE AGAINST YOU TO BLESS YOU 16 When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. # Show mercy to those who oppress you, keep on doing what is right before the Lord, let not you lips curse but bless and see God turning your situation to a blessing. He will make their lips bless you and it shall be fulfilled for they are in authority. 5) IT IS NOT YOU THEY ARE FIGHTING, IT IS YOUR DESTINY 20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 21 Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.” 22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. # - You have a great destiny! Be focused and pursue it with zeal; walking in obedience to the Spirit of God. Do not be frightened for the Lord your God is with you. It is well. #thebibleinspiresme
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:35:10 +0000
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