1 Samuel Chapter 18: Verses 12-16 (NIV-UK)
Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.
When Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel, he had everything to be able to fulfil that anointed calling. God was with him. But he repeatedly sinned by disobeying God’s commands. So, 27 years into his reign, David was anointed as his replacement. But Saul continued as king for another 15 years.
Over those 15 years he became more and more afraid of David, who continued to grow under God’s anointing. It was not David himself that Saul was afraid of, it was the presence of God. At times Saul couldn’t stand to be in the same room as David and sent him away.
If we remain close to God and carry His Spirit, there may be times when people don’t want anything to do with us. They may even seem to dislike us. But its not necessarily us. They may feel uncomfortable because God’s Spirit is with us. So let’s not retaliate if they try to wind us up. Let’s remember that we are God’s ambassadors. For fifteen years David continued to serve Saul where he could, and even on the run from him refused to take revenge. How sad for Saul to see all that he had lost. David conducted himself as he should in the midst of opposition, but he never tried to retaliate.
That’s a lesson we need to remember if we are treated harshly without cause. People might not say it’s because we are Christians, but let’s follow David’s example and give them no cause to point the finger at our conduct.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that I am Your servant as well as Your child, and to conduct myself with integrity even in the face of opposition. For those who point the finger and criticise, help me to pray for them, so that they draw close to You and not stay away. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.