God's Man Holds No Grudges

A Man Called David – 7

February 20/21, 2010

Pastor Michael Rochelle

David’s Life In Review…

“David then stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul searched for him every day, but God did not hand David over to him.” 1 Samuel 23:14

“When Saul came to the sheep pens along the road, a cave was there, and he went in to relieve himself. David and his men were staying in the back of the cave…” 1 Samuel 24:3

“The face of the Lord is set against those who do what is evil, to erase all memory of them from the earth.” Psalm 34:16

“Then Abishai said to David, ‘Today God has handed your enemy over to you. Let me thrust the spear through him into the ground just once. I won’t have to strike him twice!’ But David said to Abishai, ‘Don’t destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed and be blameless.’” 1 Samuel 26:8-9

“David added, ‘As the Lord lives, the Lord will certainly strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. However, because of the Lord, I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.’” 1 Samuel 26:10-11

“David called to Abner, ‘You’re a man, aren’t you? Who in Israel is your equal? So why didn’t you protect your lord the King when one of the people came to destroy him? What you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, all of you deserve to die since you didn’t protect your lord, the Lord’s anointed. Now look around; where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?’” 1 Samuel 26:15-16

“Saul responded, ‘I have sinned. Come back, my son David, I will never harm you again because today you considered my life precious. I have been a fool! I’ve committed a grave error.’” 1 Samuel 26:21

God’s Man Hold’s No Grudges…

1. Because God’s man has no enemies

2. Because God’s man is no judge

“He said to his men, ‘I swear before the Lord: I would never do such a thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed. I will never lift my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.’” 1 Samuel 24:6

“May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you. As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness comes from wicked people.’ My hand will never be against you.’” 1 Samuel 24:12-13

“But David said to Abishai, ‘Don’t destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed and be blameless?’” 1 Samuel 26:9

“David added, ‘As the Lord lives, the Lord will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. However, because of the Lord, I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.’” 1 Samuel 26:10-11

He recognizes God’s anointed

“You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-44

He develops a sensitive conscience

“Afterwards, David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.” 1 Samuel 24:5

He doesn’t give in to social pressure

“David added, ‘As the Lord lives, the Lord will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. However, because of the Lord, I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.’” 1 Samuel 26:10-11

3. Because God’s man reaches for reconciliation

“May the Lord be judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from you.” 1 Samuel 24:15

“May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his loyalty. I wasn’t willing to lift up my hand against the Lord’s anointed, even though the Lord handed you over to me today. Just as I considered your life valuable today, so may the Lord consider my life valuable and rescue me from all trouble.” 1 Samuel 26:23-24

He admits his own failure

He asks for forgiveness

He acts in love for others

“Who has the King of Israel come after? What are you chasing after? A dead dog? A flea?” 1 Samuel 24:14

“…for the King of Israel has come out to search for a flea, like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.” 1 Samuel 26:20b