Today's Reading:

There is no reading today, but you can use this time to catch up on any days that you may have missed this week. 

Click here to access prior days.
 

 

David asked him, “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?”
2 Samuel 1:14

After Saul’s death in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31), an Amalekite messenger claimed to have killed Saul to end his suffering. The Amalekite brought Saul’s crown and arm band to David, in hopes of a reward or favor from David. David responded with deep mourning for Saul and Jonathan, tearing his clothes, weeping, and fasting.

David had questioned the Amalekite with deep respect for God’s sovereignty. Saul was “the Lord’s anointed,” set apart by God for kingship. Even though Saul had repeatedly tried to kill David out of fear and jealousy, David refused to harm him twice (1 Samuel 24 and 26). Both times, David had spoken of the Lord’s anointed, and therefore, he was not to raise a hand against him.

David had viewed Saul’s life as sacred because God had placed him in authority. To kill Saul was to challenge God’s choice and timing, even if Saul was flawed. David was shocked at the moral outrage and wondered how anyone could lack fear and reverence for God enough to casually kill His chosen king? This showed David’s grace-filled heart, despite years of persecution. He honored Saul’s position granted by God. David then had the Amalekite killed based on his own confession.

God’s grace was working through David, a man after God’s own heart. He chose forgiveness, restraint, and, honor over retaliation. David modeled how grace triumphs over bitterness (like Jesus). While David could have celebrated the death of Saul with the Amalekite, instead, he chose to reflect spiritually, showing grace when under pressure.

Today's discussion question: 

When you are under real pressure, how do you tend to respond, like David with grace and awe for the Lord, or more like the world does with bitterness and resentment?

Click here to link to our Facebook group for discussion, questions, and additional content.