He [Saul]came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’“ Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD” I Samuel 24:3-6 (NIV).
David had an incredible respect for the LORD and His anointed one. Anointing is a biblical practice of smearing or pouring oil on someone or something to symbolize God’s choice, presence, or favor. Aaron, the priest serving with Moses, was anointed, as were other priests. King Saul had been anointed the first king of Israel.
David refused to raise his hand against God’s chosen king of Israel, even though that king was trying to kill David. David has another opportunity to overcome Saul in I Samuel 26. Again, David refuses to touch God’s anointed king.
Thinking about how this applies to us today, I wondered who we would consider “anointed’ in our world; who represents God’s choice in our lives? Hmmm. I have raised a figurative hand against persons God has placed in authority in our government, without giving it a second thought. And how about the times we criticize the pastor or complain about how he does certain things? Is not the pastor God’s anointed? Would he be in that position of leadership and authority if God had not ordained it?
David himself had already been anointed by Samuel, to replace Saul as king. Knowing this, David trusted God to pave the way for David’s kingship. He stated, “the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish” (I Samuel 26:10).
Lord Jesus, please make me aware of those you have anointed to accomplish Your purposes and to trust that You are always in control and will work all things according to Your perfect will. Help me exercise faith in Your sovereignty and be patient in awaiting the unfolding of Your plan. Amen.
Thanks Marilyn! An important reminder for us to put the full stop on our own freshly way in life and be ok with trusting God even in the caves of our lives!
This is so timely and wise, Marilyn. Thank you for the words of your prayer which I will be praying often!