Ep 611 – 1 Samuel 24:1-10

Taking matters into our own hands is always a constant temptation for the people of God. It’s an occupational hazard that comes with the territory. But we have to resist it, because doing things our way always results in less-than-satisfactory outcomes. And the other danger we face is misreading the circumstances around us, and determining something to be the will of God simply because it seems to be the most attractive option. In 1 Samuel 24:1-10, David is going to be presented with just such an occasion. He will find himself face-to-face with his arch-nemesis, King Saul, and provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eliminate this thorn in his side once and for all. But there’s only one problem: David doesn’t have permission from God. Yes, his friends assure him that this is a God-ordained chance to set things right, but they were speaking out of turn and without God’s permission. They were well-meaning, but ran the risk of causing David to violate God’s will. Had David listened, he could have eliminated his biggest problem, but sinned against God while doing so.