the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
1 Samuel 26:1-12
David’s generosity in 1 Samuel 24 had finally seemed to touch Saul’s heart. But alas, there was no evidence of true repentance! The cowardly denunciation of the Ziphites who are seeking to ingratiate themselves with Saul, sends the wicked king into the country against the one who will one day take his place. Psalms 54, written at this time, allows us to judge how distressing this infamous act of the Ziphites was for David. He begs for God’s help against the violent men who are seeking to kill him; they have not set God before them (Psalms 54:3) but David calls on Him. In response to his prayer, God protects His anointed and provides a further opportunity for him to show the purity of his intentions towards Saul. A nocturnal expedition puts into David’s hands the spear, with which on two occasions the criminal king had tried to slay him. One word would have sufficed – Abishai is waiting. But yet again mercy stays his hand.
Is this not just how our perfect Model acted? (See for example Luke 9:54). He put into practice that which He had previously taught His disciples: "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you . . . Be ye therefore merciful . . . judge not . . . condemn not" (Luke 6:27; Luke 6:36-37). Should we not still more put into practice these words of the Lord Jesus!
