I Samuel 21-24 When perception is not reality

April 2nd, I Samuel 21-24

       In the history of injustices, Saul's treatment of David ranks right up there. Second in the history of injustices is David's response to it, along with his understanding of the flow of authority. In an age when a coup of leadership is as common as our morning coffee, David chooses to honor the Lord's anointing of Saul and not become king before his appointed time.
       Running for your life, hiding in caves, living with a bunch societal misfits when you were the boyhood hero who killed Goliath, found success for your king and country, had women write songs about you and have a nation in love with you...except for...one hyper... jealous...fearful ... king.
        When you think about the opportunities for a young man to rouse a coup and take out a madman who is king, the circumstances here are ripe. But honoring the Lord and his authority are more important that my need to make this evil stop. Even the story of the cave this morning. Saul goes into the cave to "relieve himself." That's our euphemism for going to the bathroom. A little fact for you to use today, an OT euphemism for going to the bathroom was to "cover my feet." Have fun with that today if you wish. David's party sees this as a chance to take the life of Saul. David wants nothing to do with that. David wants to prove his innocence in regards to his stance towards Saul, and he does.
       David proves his allegiance, but the same warning goes out to us that went to David. Apologies don't mean much when jealousy, revenge and anger have more importance to you than reconciliation. All along in this story David could have been Saul's biggest asset. Sometimes our mindset clouds how we should see things. Saul will always see David as a great enemy...further proof of a line I really don't like..."Perception is reality." Saul's perception is not reality, I don't want that for my life...I don't want that for your life.