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I Samuel 26:9-12, “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one? Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let’s get out of here!”

So David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul’s head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the Lord had put Saul’s men into a deep sleep.

Once again, we see David spare the life of Saul.  Saul has reneged on his previous peace with David (not surprising) and has taken 3,000 troops to pursue David in the wilderness of Ziph.  David hears about this plan and tracks Saul.  When Saul and his troops are asleep, he sneaks down to the camp and takes Saul’s water jug and spear, which were right next to his head. 

David could have easily killed Saul with his own spear but he doesn’t.  Why?  Because David is obedient.  As much pain and heartache as Saul has caused David, he refuses to lower himself to Saul’s level.  He refuses to take revenge.  God told David not to kill Saul so he won’t kill Saul.  I’m sure it took a huge amount of restraint for David to allow God to take care of things in his timing. 

What is it about us as human beings that we feel the need to take revenge? When someone has hurt us, when a wrong has been done, we want to hurt or get back at the person who did it.  We want to make them hurt as much as we do.  David must have had that temptation with Saul but he didn’t give in to it.  I’ve known people who held on to anger and the desire for revenge for years and years.  It ended up becoming like a poison in their system, slowing killing their spirit and any joy in their lives. 

Examine your own life.  Do you have intense anger toward another person?  Do you have the desire for revenge or maybe simply the desire for someone else “to get what they deserve”?  What would it be like for you to give that to God today, to totally release it and allow God to take care of the situation in his own way and timing?  I can’t help but wonder how your life might change.  I keep thinking about Paul’s words in Romans 12:17-21,

            Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of         everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do    not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary:

            “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
                                        if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
            In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

                  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let’s pray…Jesus, How we need you!  Fill us with your mercy, forgiveness, and compassion.  Help us release to you any anger and bitterness that we may be harboring toward another person.  Help us resist the temptation to harm another.  More of you, less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.