1
Samuel 24 gives us a great example of how our reverence for God is
demonstrated by our respect for the authority God has put over us.
The chapter begins with King Saul returning to his primary goal of
killing David. “After
Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines… Saul took three
thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and
his men“.
David remained vigilant; even though the danger from Saul had
momentarily subsided. Remember, Satan never takes a vacation! It is
when we begin to trust in our own accomplishments or security that we
are most vulnerable. Philippians 4:13 explains our only source for
bragging, “I
can do all things through Christ who gives me strength“.
The
chapter continues with God using an every day experience to teach a
valuable lesson. King Saul came to a cave and “went
in to relieve himself“.
Once again, proving that God has a sense of humor, it turns out,
“David
and his men were far back in the cave”
hiding. David’s men urged him to take advantage of the situation
and even misquoted God’s earlier promise (1 Sam 23:4 specified the
Philistines). It seems like we always have people around to urge us
to do the wrong thing. “Then
David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe“.
As harmless as this appears to us, symbolically David was taking
some of the authority that belonged to the King. That is why David’s
reaction is so strong. “Afterward,
David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his
robe.”
David understood that he must submit to the authority of the king to
illustrate his submission to God. David explained, “The
Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s
anointed“.
As rotten as Saul was, he was still king. Next we read, “David
rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left
the cave and went his way“.
David
went out of the cave and called to Saul, “My
lord the king!”
To prove his sincerity, “David
bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground“.
We can hear the emotion in his words, “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… I have not wronged you,
but you are hunting me down to take my life“.
David continued, “I
will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s
anointed“.
Because of David’s humble attitude, note Saul’s reaction. “Is
that your voice, David my son?”
Being respectful is very disarming. With anger and jealousy put
aside, Saul recognized David’s position. “May
the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I
know…that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands“.
Saul even asked for a favor, “Now
swear… you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from
my father’s family“.
Who has God put in authority over you? Colossians 3:23 reminds all
of us, “Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not
for men“.