READING: 1 Samuel 24-26, Luke 20:27-21:19
What do you do when your heart and conscience convict you of wrong? Listen and respond in repentance? Eventually respond appropriately, but only after an intense internal battle? Ignore the wooing and live as you wish? All of us much consider this question.
In today’s Old Testament reading, we read of instances when David could have taken Saul’s life but did not. His own warriors had encouraged him to do so, knowing the king wanted to harm David. For example, David secretly cut the corner of Saul’s robe while the king was relieving himself – and his ability to do so was an indication he could have unexpectedly brought great harm to the king. At the same time, though, David realized that his cutting Saul’s robe was in itself an act against the king, the Lord’s anointed.
Scholars differ as to the nature of David’s sin, but we cannot ignore how he responded. His conscience bothered him, so he committed not to harm Saul and ordered his men not to attack the king. Thus, David did not ignore his conscience; he responded to it in repentance. We are to wise to do the same when the Spirit of God who lives in us points out our wrong.
PRAYER: “Lord, let me be ever sensitive to the conscience You’ve given me.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Listen to God’s voice today through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 27-31, Luke 21:20-22:13
