Day – 129

A conscience-stricken man of God

Read: 1 Samuel 23,24; Psalm 128; Luke 21:1-19

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24: 4 The men (who were with David) said, "This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'" Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe.

Observation: In the world we live in, we often see how people try to get a job or a position by taking advantage of other people. Sometimes, people do not bother about ethics; they simply pursue their desires and would do anything for it. Here in 1 Samuel Chapter 24, we see two men who were anointed by Samuel: David, a chosen man to become a king of the Israelites, and Saul, the first king of the Israelites, who disobeyed God and was rejected by him. Obviously, Saul wanted to kill David out of jealousy and to protect his position. Although David was fleeing away from Saul to protect his life, David's valor and his future role in leading the Israelites were becoming evident day by day.

Here, David had a good opportunity to kill Saul and become the king of Israel. David's men also thought that it was a God-given opportunity. Nobody would have questioned David if he had killed Saul. David would have occupied the kingly seat sooner without any difficulties. However, David becomes conscience-stricken after he cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. Instead of taking the kingly position by force, he spared Saul and asked for God's help. Although Saul realized his evil deeds and regretted about them, it was temporary and short-lived. When Saul came again to kill David, we read that David again abstained from killing Saul with a determination that he would not kill "the Lord's anointed" (1 Sam.26). It was a test or opportunity for David to show whether he was keen to get a high position or he was going after God's own heart. If only David had killed Saul, he would have quickly become the king of Israel without any delay. However, after that, he would have constantly struggled with his conscience for the rest of his life. Apostle John writes, "If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:20). David listened to the voice of his conscience and protected himself from sinning against the Lord.

Application: In my day-to-day life, I have many choices to choose between things. Sometimes, the opportunities in front of me may appear to be God-given ones to use for my name and fame. Even others around me may suggest doing something to get the most out of such situations. Nevertheless, I must seek what the Lord wants to do during such times. God often speaks through my conscience and reminds me of his written word. Outwardly it may be easier for someone to neglect his/her conscience to achieve or get something great. As a child of God, I should not lose God to gain worldly things/positions. I need to have a clear conscience before God and men. It is better for me to wait for God's timing than to get something quickly and spend my whole life fighting with my conscience.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for speaking to me and reminding me of your expectations for a godly life. You often said, "Whoever has ears, let them hear." Lord, tune my heart to listen to your voice in this noisy world and help me obey you every day. Amen.

✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 129