“Afterward,
David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said
to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master,
the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the
LORD." With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to
attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” (vv.5-7)
After
everything Saul had done to David, here in chapter 24 David is given an
opportunity to end king Saul’s life. However, he would not take revenge against
God’s elect. In fact, just cutting off the corner of his robe caused David’s
conscience to be stricken. He recognized Saul as the one on whom the anointing
of God had been placed. Even though David himself had been anointed as the
future king of Israel, he still respected Saul. Perhaps David realized that
what he does to Saul will set an example for others' behavior toward him in the
future.
We
too must respect whom God elects and treat them with as much respect and fear
of the LORD as David did with Saul. It is no different. To slander another
brother or even speak the truth that would damage their reputation, should
convict us just as taking a corner of Saul’s robe convicted David. Has anyone
done even half the wrongs that Saul did toward David? No? Then consider the
example of David and let God deal with His elect in His timing. Even though an
opportunity may arise in which to speak out against a brother (delivered into
your hand so to speak), that’s a test for you. The question is, will you come
away with a testimony like David's or his men who encouraged him to kill the king?
I pray that it is the former, not the latter.
The
Truth
“Who
shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who
justifies.” (Romans 8:33)
