Wednesday Word 9.22.2021

 

1 Samuel 24:1-7

24:1 After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. 2 So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. 3 At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave! 4 “Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. 5 But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” 7 So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul.

Peer pressure is a powerful thing. Saul was getting further and further away every day from the God who made him king. The men who had fled his increasingly tyrannical reign urged David to strike at Saul while he had the drop on him in the cave. What were the odds that Saul would take his rest in the cave where David was hiding? To the men being pursued under the threat of death, this was a golden opportunity. They thought it was surely meant to be a sign from above. After all, it was a “him or me” situation. But, David saw it differently. Even though Saul had sworn to kill him, David could not bring himself to kill the man who at one time had been chosen by God. David saw the big picture. When others thought of their own best interest, David thoughts turned to God. David’s faith prevailed.

Peer pressure is a powerful thing. Is your faith stronger?…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.