David's Warrior Faith

Faith Abounds 

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Relentless pursuit. What comes to your mind when you read those two words?

On the one hand it could define our posture that we pursue God with all of our heart, with all of our soul and all of our strength to give Him glory with our lives.

On the other hand it could define God's enemy in his relentless pursuit as he attempts to derail, distract and destroy us so God receives no glory.  

Reading about David's life we discover that he was relentlessly pursued by King Saul who was jealous of him.  I refer to that as "the days of Saul." 

There are seasons where we go through our own "days of Saul." 

Times where we just don't seem to catch a break, where it feels like the enemies hot breath is breathing down our neck, where it seems like there is no end to the troubles and difficulties as though we're on the run for our lives...literally. 

Once David's victory over Goliath happened, King Saul welcomed and promised him his daughter so that he would be his son-in-law. Things were looking good...promotion, success and financial security. Ahhh, this is the life. No more tending sheep in my future.

It became apparent that the Lord was with David as he experienced victory after victory every time he went to battle. I Samuel 18-24

So much so that when they returned the women came out from all the towns to meet King Saul with singing and dancing...but the words of their song displeased the king greatly and jealously rose up in his heart. 

"Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."

From that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. I Samuel 18:9

Saul was jealous over David's conquests, over God's favor that rested upon him and over his friendship with Jonathon, his son.

Everything that Saul observed he viewed as a threat to himself and his throne.

The green-eyed-monster of jealousy colored his vision and whenever he thought of David he got more and more determined to kill him. He tried repeatedly throughout the years covered in these six chapters. 

Finally, Saul took 3,000 able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David. His pursuit was relentless.

Saul stepped into a nearby cave to relieve himself and while he was busy David and his men, who were far back in the cave, realized this was their opportunity to kill Saul. 

His men said, "this is the day God spoke to you about that He would give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish." 

David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for his actions and 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."

With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack the King. Saul left the cave and went his way not realizing his life had been spared by someone he looked upon as his enemy. I Samuel 24

Once David was a distance from Saul he called out to him that he could have killed him but he didn't. He showed him the corner of his robe as proof and said, "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." vs. 15

Saul was humbled by David's words. He openly admitted that he was wrong for pursuing David. 

The "days of Saul" were finally over. The relentless pursuit to destroy him ended. David made his choice in how to deal with the situation.

What truth can we glean for our lives from these events that happened between David and King Saul?

We see: Mercy. Forgiveness. Integrity. Honor. God is my Judge and jury. My times are in His hands. 

It would have been easy for David to take the advice of his men that now was his chance to kill his pursuer...surely this was God handing him to you on a silver platter. It will be another conquest to add to your legacy.

David chose the higher ground. He humbled himself before God putting the matter in His hands and refused to entertain the satisfaction of taking revenge and dishonoring Saul. 

How about in our lives?

Will we humble ourselves before the Lord and allow Him to deliver us in His way and on His terms? Or will we take matters into our own hands when we get the chance and render evil for evil. You choose...

Proverbs 25:21-22

"Is your enemy hungry? Buy him lunch. Win him over with your kindness. Your surprising generosity will heap coals of fire on His head and God will reward you with favor."

The idiom of "hot coals upon their head" means:

"I feel like scum for being an enemy when you have been so kind to me."

Romans 12:17-20

"Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others. Do your best to live as everybody's friend.

Beloved, don't be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God's righteous justice. For the Scriptures say: 'Vengeance is Mine, and I will repay,' says the Lord.

And: If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness." For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience, and God will reward you with favor.

Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good."

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