A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE
1 SAMUEL 24:1-15
A woman who was called to jury duty told the presiding judge that she was not qualified to serve because she didn't believe in capital punishment. The judge said, "You don't understand madam. This is a civil case involving a man who spent $5,000 of his wife's money on gambling and other women. The woman quickly replied, "I'll be happy to serve, your honor, and I've changed my mind about capital punishment."
It's amazing how quickly we can change our way of thinking to suit the situation. This story is a funny way of illustrating a sad but true fact of life. Often what we know to be right is swayed by circumstances and events that cause us to override that inner voice and do what others may suggest ...or what we think might make sense.
But we must always keep in mind Proverbs 14:12, which says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Often what may seem like the right thing for us to do is actually a trap of the enemy...a trap that will bring about a great deal of destruction.
I want to turn to a story in the life of David that shows an important truth we can learn that will help us to maintain our integrity & stay on that narrow road that leads to life and eternal blessing. Read 1 Samuel 24:1-15
In chapter 23 we read about how Saul was hunting David to kill him, because of jealousy, and after chasing him all around the country, he finally moves in on him. But just then a messenger arrives and gives Saul the word that the Philistines are raiding Judah, so he broke off and went to defend his country.
As soon as he returned from chasing off the Philistines, Saul renews his pursuit of David. Now, these Philistines were a constant problem, and after experiencing so many battles with them you'd think Saul might have seen how necessary it was to make things right with David and restore him to his place in the army again. Instead he takes 3,000 of his best men and heads off after him again.
This time Saul had heard that David and his men were hiding out in the caves of the wild goats. This is doesn't seem to be a very good place for David to be staying. And you'd have to wonder why Saul would be so anxious to disturb him. I mean, what harm to the kingdom could a man be who lives cooped up in a smelly sheep cave? But as long as he was alive, Saul considered him as threat.
Now it just so happens that Saul winds up alone in the same cave where David and his men were staying in. Quite a coincidence, huh? Actually only a few of his closest friends were probably in this particular cave with the rest staying in similar caves close by.
Saul entered the cave, not in search of David, but rather to relieve himself. Now, this visit to the cave was probably more than just a place for a nature call. These caves were a place people often entered in to rest, because they were cool and also quiet...a good place to go during the heat of the day. Saul probably posted a few guards outside the cave and went in to catch a few z's.
As he entered, not knowing of course that anyone was already in there, it became obvious to David and his men that this was indeed King Saul who was just placed in their hands. And his men reminded him that this was the day they longed for, and which God had spoken to him about - in a round about way - when He anointed him king.
They all knew that David would never be king as long as Saul was alive, and this was the perfect opportunity to see the promise come true. Saul was at their mercy...and it was easy to see why Saul was in the area in the first place - to kill David - so why not take this opportunity and get rid of this vengeful man who stood in the way of everything promised to David.
But what we have here is a clear example of how we misunderstand the promises of God. God had assured David that He would deliver him from Saul. And his men interpreted this promise as a warrant to destroy Saul. And because it was now within David's power to kill him, they concluded he had every right to do it. After all, it was God who brought him into their hands, wasn't it?
But David resists these pressures and refuses to take Saul's life. Instead, he sneaks up and cuts off a piece of the king's robe as evidence that he had the power, the opportunity, and the right to kill him, but chose not to. And he forbid his men to attack the king.
David simply cut off a corner of Saul's robe, which was an act of mercy compared to what his men urged him to do...and yet the Scripture says he was conscience-stricken. He hadn't done anything to physically harm Saul, and what he did do was simply to make a point in a pretty profound way.
Saul was chasing him all over creation trying to kill him...for no good reason. At God's request the prophet Samuel anointed David as king - so the position would rightfully be his at Saul's death. David was innocent of any crime or offense, in fact he was one of Saul's greatest assets. And yet the king was set on having him killed. Still, after all these injustices, David wished he hadn't even cut his robe.
Here is where so many otherwise good people fail and fall - in the matter of conscience. Inside David there was that still small voice telling him what was right. Outside was the voice of his well-intentioned friends telling him what they thought of the whole situation, which was a perfectly natural way to see it.
And, of course, David's own human "voice of reason" was leading him to at least give a sign of his power...which he did. But as soon as he did he knew it was wrong. And this is a sign of a tender heart...to know that when that voice inside tells us that we've wronged someone - even though it may seem right to everyone around - then it's wrong...and we've got to make it right and prevent even greater sins.
David reasoned strongly both with himself and with his friends and servants by saying "the Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master..." How could he say that, especially about a man like Saul?
Through that voice of conscience, he realized that this man who stood before him was not his enemy...he was not the one who stood in the way of his becoming king...he realized that this was the Lord's anointed! This was the man God chose to fulfill a certain purpose. He was the one God "set apart" for this position of king.
This was the one anointed - and appointed to reign as long as he lived...one who was under the protection of the God's own law. And as his master, which David calls him, he was obliged to be faithful to the law of God, even when he felt that person was unworthy of such honor.
David understood the truth that Peter many years later would restate. In 1 Peter 2:18, he says we are to "submit to our masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." That means we do it God's way...and let God take care of those who are not living or acting according to His Word and His ways. Remember the Scripture that says, "Revenge is mine..I will repay, says the Lord"
David would not allow himself to do this evil thing, and he wouldn't allow those with him to do it either. He realized he needed to return good for evil - even to those who gave him evil for good. This is probably one of the reasons David is called a man after God's own heart...a type of Christ...one who did what was right - who fulfilled the plan set before him without regard to the consequences.
David's realization that he was not to touch or bring any type of harm to God's anointed was a truth he learned well. Just a short time later he would have another experience with Saul, who again would try to kill him, and again David would make it a matter of conscience. Read 1 Samuel 26:7-11a
We read the same thing a third time in Psalm 105:15..."Touch not my anointed - and do my prophets no harm." There is a timeless principle here that is important for us to understand. It is important if we're to be faithful to God's Word...it's important if we're to have the unity and the blessing of God upon our churches...it's important for us individually if we're to be found right in the eyes of God.
God places people in various positions according to His great wisdom and for His own purposes. He calls and He anoints his servants for work in His kingdom...knowing full well the end from the beginning...knowing full well exactly how faithful and true they will be...knowing their faults and failures as well as their strengths and abilities. Most importantly - He knows their hearts!
The problem that has plagued us for thousands of years is that we fail to recognize that God is in charge...He's in control. And He uses both good and bad to accomplish His divine purposes. But we often get in the way. So often we figure out what we think is best or proper, and in the process we oppose God's anointed vessels...many times destroying them completely.
There are many who are God's anointed that are harmed and even destroyed by those who feel quite justified in their actions. And most often it comes down to a simple matter of respect. Today, just as in the time of Moses, and David, and Jeremiah, and even John the Baptist...there is little respect for those anointed ones...those "set apart" to fulfill His purpose and plan.
You are now in the process of finding a new pastor...a man who is called by God to serve in that position...one of God's anointed...one who's been "set apart." Will he be recognized as such by this congregation? Will he receive the respect due his holy office...or will it depend on how he scratches your particular itch?
Many churches today have stripped the office of pastor of its intended functions...which is to draw you to Jesus...to be the voice of the Lord who stands clearly and firmly on the word of Almighty God...who tries desperately to prepare you for eternity...who tries to get you to realize that the Great Commission and the Great Commandment is for each and every one who calls themselves Christian.
Are you looking for a pastor who will be your hired gun...to preach like a house on fire but at the same time not upset...or challenge...or call to commitment. Are you looking for someone to be your buddy...who will be one of the guys that won't make you feel convicted by your lifestyle because his is the same as yours? Are you really looking for an anointed man of God?
I hope you'll set your standards higher than they've ever been. I hope you'll not settle for anything less than one who will boldly stand and proclaim to all, "Thus Saith The Lord!" Get a real man of God in here who will love you...love you enough to be true to God - and God alone! And then give him the respect his office demands!
But don't for a second think that pastors are the only ones who are God's anointed. In just a few weeks you'll be holding elections for next years council. For some, this is nothing more than a popularity contest or a power struggle. But what you're doing is taking part in the process of "setting apart" people for a holy calling.
The office of deacon and elder are supposed to be positions of authority and respect. But how many see it that way? When you look at your elders and deacons, do you see a human Saul - with many faults and shortcomings...or do you see, like David did, one set apart by God for a holy purpose?
I've taken our elders and deacons with me to lay hands on the sick and anoint them with oil...on several occasions. Just as the Bible says. And I tell you I've seen the anointing on each of them as they prayed...and cried...and called out to God on behalf of hurting people. And we've seen God do some mighty wonderful things.
And yet they are just men. Common, ordinary men...with faults and shortcomings just like the rest of us. But I remember the Bible says that Elijah, that anointed man of God, was actually just a man who had "like passions" as we do. I think we so often cut off at the knees the ones God has chosen and anointed for service...simply because we fail to see them in the proper light...and give them the opportunity to become great men - and women - for God.
What am I trying to say this morning? I believe that the events we read about in 1 Samuel were a crucial time in the life of David. He recognized the importance of respecting and honoring those whom the Lord places in positions of authority...His anointed ones. He recognized that God, who uses ordinary people, was still in control! I believe it was the difference between success and failure for him.
This church needs to pray not only for a pastor after God's own heart, but also for men and women who will serve in positions of authority and do it according to God's will and not your own private agenda. But that's only the first part. Once those individuals are put into place...give them all the respect and honor that is due God's anointed vessels.
Pray for them...support them...encourage them...follow them as they follow Christ - and if you do, all the demons in hell will never be able to stop the renewal and revival that will take place.
BUT...if the division...and partisanship...and the desire to have it your way regardless of the consequences isn't stopped --- the glory will quickly depart. The outcome is in your hands. Your destiny is in your hands. Choose carefully...choose wisely...do it God's way!
