Daily Devotional for Saturday, August 12

David’s Mercy, Saul’s Confession

“The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go,” 1 Samuel 26:11.

There was a young adult that was in a wheelchair that used to come into the store I worked at a few days each week. He became very well known amongst the employees so when it was discovered that he was opening packages and taking items, he was given a warning because people knew him and felt sorry for him. He apologized and assured us that he would never do it again. He continued to come into the store and though he had confessed to the crime previously and was shown mercy, he was caught stealing once again. In like manner, David had already shown Saul mercy in not killing him when he had the opportunity, yet Saul continued to seek David’s life even though he had confessed that David was more righteous than he (1 Samuel 24:1-22).

Though it may seem as though people sometimes take advantage of other people’s mercy, they still need it. David again had the opportunity to put an end to Saul pursuing him to kill him, but he showed him mercy once again. David knew that if Saul were to die then it would have to be someone else, and not him (1 Samuel 26:10). Because of David’s mercy, Saul made his confession, “Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly,” (1 Samuel 26:21). When we show mercy, we give people what they need and not what they deserve and leave it to the Lord.

JUST A THOUGHT: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,” (Romans 12:19).

Tim Chambers