Our Old Testament reading for today graphically illustrates this reality (1 Samuel 24 & 25). David has been running from King Saul for a long time. He is hiding in the wilderness near En-Gedi by the Dead Sea. Saul is pursuing David along with three thousand of his best soldiers. Along the way, the king stops in a cave for a few moments without knowing David is in there, too. Although David’s soldiers try to convince him that the circumstances are providential, that the Lord has delivered Saul into David’s hand so that he can kill the king, David knows better. He knows God will keep His promise and put David on the throne whenever the time is right. He does not need to “claw His way to the top” in the kingdom!
After Saul leaves the cave and is a safe distance away, David calls out to him, showing him evidence that the backslidden monarch’s life had been in David’s hands. Saul responds tearfully, publically declaring David to be the better man and expressing his conviction that one-day David will replace him. The scene draws to a close as David promises Saul he will never harm his children. Then the king goes back to his castle…but David goes back to his cave…!
David’s actions prove he is good enough to forgive Saul, but wise enough to know he should not trust him. King Saul’s mood swings were legendary (1 Samuel 16:23 & 18:10-12). David would need far more than seeing a few tears and hearing a few words to be sure Saul’s heart had really changed.
Here is the “moral” of the story - Forgiveness can come in a moment; Trust can only be established over time.
May God give us all the ability to walk in both forgiveness and wisdom…!
Pastor Mark
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