Dealing with truculent opponents
The LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! – 1 Samuel 26:12
1 Samuel 26:7-12
7 David and Abishai entered Saul’s camp and found him asleep . . ..
8 “God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!” Abishai whispered to David. “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t need to strike twice!”
9 “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD’s anointed one?”
10 “Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle.”
11 “The LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed!”
The spotlight on the unethical behavior of leaders and supervisors has intensified over time, revealing a troubling history of abuse and misconduct. Significant moral failures in various religious groups have been uncovered, with initiatives like #MEtoo playing a pivotal role in bringing these issues to light. The complexity of the situation escalates with the infusion of personal biases or conflicts rooted in differences in ideology, faith, and political views. It’s easy to find oneself deeply aligned with one side or the other, leading to highly polarized confrontations. Many are out for blood.
In the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a grassroots movement quickly emerged to challenge the election’s results. This phenomenon was repeated in 2020, though with the roles reversed, showcasing the susceptibility to feeling threatened and the tendency towards defensiveness across the political spectrum.
Whether we like it or not, in good times or bad times, whether “our leader” is in or out, all authority is delegated authority. The Father has the ultimate say in who leads and who does not.
Daniel 2:21 He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.
It is tough to do what is right when we are convinced that those in charge are doing what is wrong. But all children of the King are called to live by a different standard.
Historically, civilizations like the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Mongols were known for their barbarity. Today, the cruelty and maliciousness exhibited by modern nations and groups can seem unprecedented. We live in very difficult, perilous, fierce, savage, unprecedented times, as described in 2 Timothy 3:1.
The Bible offers us guidance, though its teachings can sometimes be difficult to accept. Frankly, they are hard to take. The Roman Empire was cruel and merciless. Living under Roman rule and during Emperor Nero’s reign, Paul penned words that continue to challenge us today.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
It’s common to question what we read, but it’s crucial to recognize that these are the inspired words of God that we’re reflecting upon. Through Paul’s writings, the Father reaches out to each of us personally, urging us to understand the messages conveyed and to base our decisions on the truths and principles imparted.
Paul’s wisdom doesn’t exist in isolation. In their own words, Peter and Paul retell the enduring lessons the Father has woven throughout the Scriptures.
Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.
1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish evildoers and praise those who do right.
When confronted with questions about paying taxes, the Lord Jesus Christ adroitly answered those who would entrap Him.
Matthew 22:17-21
17 Now, tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?”
19 “Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin,
20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
REFLECT & PRAY
The United States has been thrust into a period characterized by evil, controversy, and turmoil. Each child of the King faces critical decisions regarding their response to those whom the Father has placed in positions of power and authority who behave contrary to the truth found in the Scriptures.
Father may my heart be right before You and aligned with Your will. Enable me to act according to Your revealed Word, even in these savage times.
INSIGHT
In the Old Testament, all the kings of Israel and Judah were anointed and placed into their positions by the Father. Many were wicked and did evil “in the sight of the Lord.” However, they were still His “anointed” leaders.
This creates a dilemma for all children of the King. How do we respond to leaders that the Father has anointed but act in a dastardly fashion? David shows us the way. King Saul was the first Jewish king. His reign had not worked out too well. He was selfish, insecure, and defiant. His rule was riddled with personal failings and rebellion against divine directives. Eventually, the Father had enough. While Saul was still king, the Father had Samuel, the prophet, discreetly anoint David as his replacement. There was a new king in town.
Saul was furious and went into overdrive. David became a marked man. Saul relentlessly pursued David. Time and again, David eluded capture and certain death. He skillfully avoided Saul’s attempts on his life.
Recall that David had six hundred mighty men of valor who were loyal and devoted to him. They did not take too kindly to their beloved leader being hunted down for assassination. To them, Saul was nothing more than a threat to be eliminated. However, David’s view of Saul was profoundly different. Even in the face of persecution, David saw Saul through the Father’s eyes. David looked at Saul and saw “the Lord’s anointed.”
More than once, David had the opportunity to kill Saul. The Father delivered Saul into David’s hands. Saul was totally vulnerable, defenseless, and at David’s mercy. But David would not take his life nor allow others to do so. David was convinced that the Father would remove Saul in His own time, in His own way.
The question becomes, how do the children of the King respond to their enemies? If their heart is right with the Father. They will seek to do the right thing.
“David’s aide saw the opportunity as a divine blessing, but David saw it as a test. He would wait for God to act in His own time.” (Stanley).
David based his decisions and actions on truth and godly principles, not serendipitous circumstances. David knew it was wrong to lay hands on the Father’s anointed, even though King Saul was not serving the Father as he should. No doubt, David had little respect for Saul, the man. But David had absolute respect for the Father and the position of King. The Father had given the office of King to Saul.
This principle is illustrated in the final episode of the war drama “Band Of Brothers,” when Major Winters tells Captain Sobel, “We salute the rank, not the man.” Winters expresses a fundamental principle of military respect and protocol. This statement underscores the idea that individuals in the military salute the position or rank a person holds rather than the personal merits or character of the individual occupying that position. It reflects the importance of responsibilities and roles over personal relationships or animosities.
Are any of your enemies “anointed?” Perhaps it’s a test.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 9-22-1
© Dr. H 2024==========
Dr H Reflections 