DCLM Sincere Milk 7 November 2023 — David’s Example, Part 3 – No Retaliation
DCLM Sincere Milk 7 November 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — David’s Example, Part 3 – No Retaliation
Topic: David’s Example, Part 3 – No Retaliation
Text: 1 Samuel 24:1-10
2Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
3And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
4And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.
5And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
6And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
7So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
8David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
9And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed.
Key Verse: “Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eve spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed.” 1 Samuel 24:10
Message
A common saying among children goes thus “He did it to me first, I also did the same to him”. This is what is called retaliation or in children language “doing your own back” Retaliation is revenge; it is paying back evil for evil. King Saul hated David, the shepherd boy that killed Goliath. He came into the wilderness to seek and kill David. Unfortunately for king Saul, he fell into David’s hand. However, David refused to listen to the people that asked him to kill king Saul. David had so much regard and respect for God Who anointed Saul as king. He refused to retaliate.
Also Read: DCLM Sincere Milk 6 November 2023 — David’s Example, Part 2 – Helping The Poor And The Needy
Forgiveness or the attitude of not paying back evil for evil is a major part of Christian character. As we live with people, play together, attend school or church together, we shall surely offend one another. When or if such offences come, which many times are not deliberate, the Lord expects us to forgive one another. The action of David is a worthy example to follow. Make up your mind from today that you will never throwback stones thrown at you, never push back and never repay evil for evil.
Further Reading: Romans 12:17-21
Prayer for today: Oh Lord Jesus, take away the spirit ofretaliation from me and give me grace to always forgive those who offend me.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
