“Sick ‘em! Get those guys, God!”
Have you ever prayed like that? I know it doesn’t sound like “Do to others as you would have them do to you” or “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Those red-letter words are easy to read but impossible to actually do.
Thugs hired by his former boss, King Saul, constantly hounded David, the guy who wrote these words. King Saul is probably the most schizophrenic character in the Bible. One minute, he wants David to play soothing music, the next, he tries to pin David to the wall with a spear. This mental picture probably brings bosses, co-workers, or ex boy/girlfriends to mind. One minute everything is great, the next, with the flip of a mental switch, this person is aggressively opposing you, tearing you apart either mentally or, possibly, physically.
Here is how David handled the situation. Even though he was in imminent danger, as Saul and all of Israel had come against him, he refused to lift a finger against them. Instead, David prayed that God would intervene.
One time, David snuck up on Saul while he slept and pilfered a few items near his pillow. David could have ended Saul’s life as well as a few other sleeping soldiers, but, instead, he stole Saul’s weapon and water jug. Then, from a safe place on the other side of the valley, David, with Saul’s spear in one hand and water jug in the other, let Saul know that he’d been spared.
Why didn’t David indulge himself by taking revenge? The answer is simple. David knew that God had a long-term plan for his future and that He would sort this problem out, in due time. Ultimately, Saul got what was coming to him in battle with Israel’s enemies and David was promoted to king, as God promised.
Where you work, go to school, or gather with extended family, they all know you’re a Christian. And that oftentimes may be viewed as a good thing, while other times it can become the butt of a crude joke. When that happens, don’t be tempted to lash out and hurt back, as the Bible tells us to leave vengeance to God. He has a plan. And He may use your willingness to forgive to bring your adversary into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. So, stand down and let Jesus sort things out.
No comments:
Post a Comment