Nougat 12

Hi

You know, there are some scriptures that I would love to overlook; as they challenge me to live differently (the good I would not though I know I should). Today’s Holy Nougat is definitely one of those.

“He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.”” 1 Samuel‬ ‭24:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This really is a hard chew. And after chewing, I still have to guard against choking.

So David – son of Jesse, king-at-large – was speaking to his inner circle about Saul – reigning king, albeit rejected by God – who had a bounty on David’s life. Their relationship was tangled; as David was Saul’s former son in law; as well as a former attendant in Saul’s royal court. But jealousy; rather poor leadership and insecurity; changed and challenged their relationship.

Nepotism aside, not every leader wishes to share power, making seasons of transition more akin to a battlefield rather than a training session. And, when we are under threat, we might find ourselves needing to defend ourselves through drastic measures.

So did David.

Yet amidst his defensive tactics – and David was a strategic warrior – David recognized and respected the chain of divine authority. Having had the opportunity to kill Saul, David’s CHOSe to preserve life.

Not easy.

For his decision suggests very strongly to us that while we ought to be defensive in situations of attack; we are not obliged to retaliate in similar manner. That is – our defensive posture does not begin with undue aggression towards our attackers; even when they initiated the war. And that applies to family, work or other inter- personal relationships.

David even repented of snipping a piece of Saul’s robe as a cautionary reminder that – We defend ourselves, surely; but we ought not initiate the offensive attack. Whether in word or deed.

And that’s hard for many of us. Because the last thing on my mind when under attack is to be conscientious toward my oppressor when the opportunity arises for payback. Is too. Some of us would rather retaliate and then seek forgiveness.

But that’s neither David nor God’s way. We know that if God were to treat us as our sins deserve we’d all be hell-bound long ago. But, we love as Christ loves; or at the very least – because Christ first loves us. (I encourage us to revisit the reflections on last week’s nougat.)

How to begin? Where David began – with the recognition and affirmation of our oppressor’s humanity – finely crafted in God’s image. To affirm their standing in Christ. To confess our own human frailty which may foster similar behavior.

Lord,

It’s rough going at times; this living like you did. But, by Your grace, help us to live with our eyes firmly fixed on the better prize – eternity with You. Forgive our human tendency for revenge as we attempt to walk the talk, dear Jesus amen

In Christ’s love and grace . . .