I got to travel to Minnesota once again over the last few days and spend some closing moments with Grandpa Glendon, my mom’s dad. He’s wrapping up his life on this earth and will be leaving us very soon.
I listened to him talk about some childhood stories, moments from young adult life, and other episodes and events throughout his 86 short years. It was in lifting his small frame up on the bed and holding his rough calloused hand while listening to his narrative that I thought about the honor it was to be his grandson and the privilege to share in a small part of his journey.
There are things that I’ll always have to remind me of him and keep him alive. Chocolate chip cookies, pushups and situps, and fox fur! It’s a beautiful thing and though my life will be slightly broken and briefly put on hold as his comes to an end, I’m blessed to get to honor this man of God who is still praying and singing songs to God on his death bed.
Now, David found himself in the presence of his king at the end of his days and he was somewhat conflicted. This man was a mentor but turned out to be a bit of a problem for David. He had some mental health issues and actually tried to kill David a couple different times. David had honored and served his king up until this point and was now at a turning point.
David had two different opportunities to kill this man personally and chose not to take it. He had a soldier willing to do it for him but also refused the offer.
It seems a little strange that David wouldn’t want the man trying to kill him dead, but this is what he says: “Who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD’s anointed one…The LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed” (1 Samuel 26).
What is going on here?
There’s a big difference in honoring my grandpa and David honoring Saul. While it is easy and expected to elevate the man who loved so richly, served so selflessly, and gave so generously, it’s another whole conversation to not kill, let alone bad mouth, a disgraceful man who is mentally unstable and has attempted murder.
David, felt it was more important to trust God than to avenge himself and take matters into his own hands.
I know in today’s culture, justice is king and everyone demands to play judge, jury, AND executioner, especially on social media platforms. From workplace bosses to playground bullies, it’s easy to slander someone for their actions, but David shows us a better way.
This is revealing of the character within that God saw when David was anointed by Samuel.
How have you been seeking revenge on someone who has hurt you?
Who do you need to show honor to that you’d really like to see be hit by a bus, or maybe just get covid or something?
How can you make a better choice like David did and let justice be administered by God instead of chasing vengeance yourself?
God is more than capable of handling the bullies, the buttheads, and the bad guys in your life. This doesn’t mean you don’t defend yourself (as we read David still protected himself and called out Saul in 1 Samuel 26) but can you do it and still honor the one who’s out to get you? David showed us how!
Praying for your peace in practicing grace and forgiveness!!!
#WishEmWell
#GraceIsJustice
#RoyalRisk&Reward
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
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