Mourning the enemy

Today: 2 Samuel 1-3

Do you have an "us versus them" mentality?

Lately I've noticed that it's common practice for people to dehumanize those who have opposing views. Republicans do it to Democrats, women do it to men and Christians do it to non-Christians (and vice versa on all of these comparisons, too!). When a battle of ideas becomes a battle to demonize people, it's wrong.

If anyone had an excuse to hate his enemies, it was David. After all, God (via the prophet Samuel) chose David as king while Saul was still on the throne. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David even though David continually treated him with respect and kindness. David did absolutely nothing to justify Saul's rage.

But when Saul died (at the hands of a "mercy" killer), David mourned. He recognized that Saul was anointed by God.

You and I may face opposition from people in our lives. More than likely, they're not trying to kill us. And more than likely, they're not kings or spiritual leaders anointed by God. But if they are human beings, they were created by God. He made something good in them and called them to pursue a purpose. Don't strip your "enemies" of their God-given humanity. Dare to see their potential, celebrate their successes and mourn the loss of any of that God-designed greatness.

Tomorrow: 2 Samuel 4-7

God and revenge

Today: 1 Samuel 21-24

Reading today's passage reminded me of watching a suspense-filled thriller. David was on the run from king Saul, hiding in cities, pretending to be crazy to get away and actually catching up with Saul in a cave. While Saul was in a vulnerable state (going to the bathroom, actually), David had an opportunity to blindside him and kill him. But he didn't. Undetected, he just cut a tiny piece of Saul's robe. Then, he grabbed the king's attention and told him this:

"My master! My king!"

Saul looked back.

David fell to his knees and bowed in reverence.

He called out, "Why do you listen to those who say 'David is out to get you'?

This very day with your very own eyes

you have seen that just now in the cave God put you in my hands.

My men wanted me to kill you, but I wouldn't do it.

I told them that I won't lift a finger against my master—

he's God's anointed.

Oh, my father, look at this, look at this piece that I cut from your robe.

I could have cut you—killed you!—but I didn't.

Look at the evidence! I'm not against you.

I'm no rebel.

I haven't sinned against you, and yet you're hunting me down to kill me.

Let's decide which of us is in the right.

God may avenge me, but it is in his hands, not mine.

An old proverb says, 'Evil deeds come from evil people.'

So be assured that my hand won't touch you.
"What does the king of Israel think he's doing?

Who do you think you're chasing?

A dead dog? A flea?

God is our judge. He'll decide who is right.

Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now—and set me free of you!"

This is an interesting story because if anyone had a right to seek revenge, it was David. Saul was chasing David unjustly (really because of Saul's own insecurity). God had anointed David to be the country's next king. A lot of people in David's shoes would have reasoned, "Well--that's it. God's called me to be king. Saul's gone crazy. I'm innocent--and completely justified in killing him." David didn't take that approach. He surrendered his life (literally) to God, trusting that God would decide the right outcome.

I think David's approach is wise, but it's also freeing--he did not harbor hate in his heart. Though he was unjustly accused, hurt and on the run to protect his life, he trusted in God's sovereignty. When you trust God to get revenge, you can live with a clear conscience.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 25-27

Plain listening

Today: 1 Samuel 15-17

It's entirely possible to do the right thing the wrong way or with the wrong heart--especially when you fail to listen.

Today's passage included a story about Saul that depicted this concept. God instructed Saul to completely wipe out an enemy. He specifically instructed Saul to leave no living thing. However, Saul kept the best livestock and let the king live. He said that he was planning to sacrifice the best livestock and wealth to God. Really?!? Here's how the prophet Samuel responded:

Then Samuel said,

Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—

empty rituals just for show?

He wants you to listen to him!

Plain listening is the thing,

not staging a lavish religious production.

Not doing what God tells you

is far worse than fooling around in the occult.

Getting self-important around God

is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.

Because you said No to God's command,

he says No to your kingship.

Saul tried to outplay God--which never works. It's not like God asked him for anything he wasn't capable of doing. God just wanted him to listen and obey. God's focus was on Saul's motives and his heart.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 18-20

Let's find out what God thinks

Today: 1 Samuel 13-14

I remember hearing a daunting thought awhile ago: Most of us make the most significant decisions in our lives between the ages of 18 and 30.

But think about it--during that time period, we decide whether or not to attend college. We develop habits for saving and spending. We choose a career...or two...or three. Many people will build key relationships during this time period. Some will have kids. It's also a key lifestage for determining beliefs about God.

Can you tell why I was overwhelmed by that original idea? These are decisions that will significantly shape or define our lives.

Yet often, we take an approach to decision making that is similar to Saul's statements in this passage:

Saul said, "Let's go after the Philistines tonight!

We can spend the night looting and plundering.

We won't leave a single live Philistine!"

"Sounds good to us," said the troops. "Let's do it!"
But the priest slowed them down:

"Let's find out what God thinks about this."

When faced with a major decision (that actually included putting lives on the line), Saul's approach had a "Just do it!" style. He also sought the approval and input of his peers. But he neglected to first consider what God thought about his situation. Uh oh.

At different points in this blog series, I may have talked about the need for a "Just do it!" approach at times. I may have also written about the importance of seeking counsel from people you consider leaders, mentors and wise advisers. However, I hope that those previous posts don't supersede the most important thing: when faced with decisions--small or big--first consider what God thinks.

I think it's actually amazing that God:

1. Usually has definitive thoughts about key topics in our lives (thank goodness for the Bible and it's guidelines!).

2. Wants to be included in our daily decisions. (He's not too busy or too "big" to be part of our everyday lives)

3. Loves and cares so much that He wants to help us make choices. (It's comforting to know that when I pray for God's direction and guidance, He cares enough to actually help.)

If you're like me and facing some important decisions in the next few years, weeks or even days--stop to find out what God thinks. It sounds really simple...but it might just change our lives.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 15-17