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Tuesday, May 19th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
John 10:22-42
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 15:20-21
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1kiKGcv
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
“I will not stretch out my hand against [Saul], for he is the Lord’s anointed…” – 1 Sam 24:10
David had the chance to kill Saul. The wicked king had wandered into David’s cave, and had stopped to relieve himself. What were the chances?! David’s friends assured him that this was the moment God had been preparing him for: if he killed Saul, he would become king!
But David refused. David understood that taking vengeance was not his responsibility. Paul explained it this way to the Romans:
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Rom 12:19-21
It is our responsibility to love our enemies. It is God’s responsibility – not ours – to repay them for their wicked deeds. Saul was before David, not so that David could execute judgment, but rather so that he could demonstrate mercy. Killing Saul would have proved he was unfit to be king; letting him live proved he was the man for the job.
Let it go. The wicked will inherit their reward. Demonstrate mercy, and work to perfect your love walk with Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, help me to heap mercy on the people in my life who deserve it the least! I don’t want to go through life angry and mad. I know You will punish the wicked, so I’m not going to worry about it!