Person of Honor

HIGHLIGHT: 1 Samuel 24:5-7 5 But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6 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.”7 So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul.

After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way,

EXPLAIN: David is on the run from Saul. Saul has killed a priest for helping David and he is looking all over to try and take him out. It is in chapter 24 that, during the travel and tracking of David, Saul has to use the bathroom. That meant that the King would go into a cave while the men waited outside. The crazy part is that of all the caves that Saul could have picked to relieve himself, he picks the one with David and his men in the back.

David has already been anointed king. He has a following of men who act as a militia. In the back of the cave, when they realize this is the moment to take out the enemy, they encourage David to do it while Saul is in the middle of...his personal restroom break.

David creeps up silently, cuts off a corner of Saul's robe and that is when it hit him. He had come close to taking the life of God's anointed King. David had killed people before, but it was in a battl or military type situation. This is different. He would have taken he life of God's anointed king while using the bathroom. This would become his story for life.

APPLY: There are many things we would like to do and we often look for opportunities to make it happen. However, there are a couple of thoughts to consider before taking the opportunity at hand. 1) All leaders have weaknesses and strengths. We like to focus on their strengths, but before taking the opportunity to take them out, it is important to understand what you can learn. Their weaknesses are opportunities for you to learn how to be a better leader.

2) This is God's anointed that David could have taken out. In 2023, in America, we often see the dirtiness of politics. However, we are reminded that God is in control. Our freedoms do not come from the government but from God. Why? Because even those that are in places of leadership are responsible to God. It is not a wise thing to harm anyone, much less the one God has given the task of leading people.

3) Consider the headlines of your life. One day we will all face the reality of the grave. We will have people share at our funerals the headlines of our lives. What will they say about you? David probably took some time and thought, "I'll always be remembered as the king who took the throne from another while they were on the toilet." When you consider your what actions you would like to take; take some time to consider what the headlines will be one day for the actions you took.

RESPONSE: Jesus, every action has a consequence which can be good or bad. Please allow my heart, which controls my thoughts and activates my actions, to be aligned with your heart. Let me be a person of honor by never dishonoring you with what I do.