Saul pursued David from Keilah to Desert of Ziph, then to En Gendi. As he was looking for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats, he relieved himself in the same cave where David was hiding. David’s men saw it as God’s divine intervention and encouraged David to take Saul’s life. But David did not dare to touch the anointed and chosen king by God, so much so that even cutting off a piece of Saul’s robe had caused David much guilt.

Instead of killing Saul, David bowed and prostrated himself before Saul and seek reconciliation with Saul. David explained to Saul that he had come in peace with no intention of killing Saul. In fact, David had three similar opportunities to take revenge on Saul, but in each case, he had chosen to restrain himself and trusted the Lord.

Think about it, David could end all persecution and his fugitive in the wilderness by killing Saul. No one would fault him, considering all the persecution Saul had on David. Yet, even in such great distress and persecution, David humbly entrusted his battles and enemies to God’s justice and timing. David knew that when the time comes for him to ascend the throne, God will open door for that to happen. He need not resort to similar tactics and methods Saul used on him. David wanted not only the results, but also for the process to be honouring to God. He said in verse 12, “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”

Paul said this in Romans 12:17-21 when he told the believers to 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.

The greatest manifestation of such obedience was demonstrated when Jesus Christ went up on the cross. He did not seek revenge against an ungrateful world who did not acknowledged him. He did not look for ways to get even with those who opposed him. He forgave and died for them. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”(Luke 23:34) As David waited and allowed Saul to keep him on the run, Jesus waited upon God’s justice in His timing, even when it meant that evil and violence would take him to the cross.

Dear brothers and sisters, are there situations in our lives which calls us to wait on God. Even with the most righteous intentions, God calls us not to take things in our hands but to wait on Him and His perfect will and time. The task to take revenge on the unjust and unrighteous is God’s, but the task to seek reconcilation with our enemies is ours. What does one baby step of love and reconciliation looks like in your life today?

Prayer : Dear God, if I can be honest with you, I have no idea how David does it! How can one remain faithful to You with no act of revenge in the face of an angry man who had tormented his life. Lord, I want to live a surrendered life like this, to trust you and wait upon your timing. Would you help me today in my weakness to learn to love and to reconcile with those I have trouble with. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name I pray, amen.