S ) "21 Then Saul said, 'I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.' 22 David replied, 'Behold the spear of the king! Now let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.'"
1 Samuel 26:21-24 (NASB)
O) This chapter tells the second encounter David had while fleeing Saul, where he had opportunity to kill Saul. As before, David spared his life, but made it clear (by taking Saul's spear) that the LORD gave him opportunity to kill Saul. This time, Saul is remorseful to the point of promising not to harm David, inviting him back. David returned the spear (I doubt he ever had intentions of stealing it), but he didn't return with his king. Instead, he remained in exile. David didn't harm Saul, or steal from Saul, or seek some kind of retribution. Clearly, David had fully forgiven Saul. However, David did not put himself in harm's way again. The time for a physical reconciliation had apparently passed, although David remained loyal to his king. In fact, David remained loyal to Saul even beyond their lifetimes together. David kept the promise he made in sparing Saul's life the first time (see 1 Samuel 24:16-22).
A) This is a powerful example of forgiveness in the face of traumatic offenses. Saul was literally trying to kill David, multiple times, but David continued to forgive Saul. He remained loyal in their relationship, although he refused to subject himself to potential harm again. As far as I know, I've never suffered threats to my life. Surely, if David was able to forgive such an attempt, I should be able to forgive anything (especially with the Holy Spirit within me, reminding me of the gospel). This story is a reminder, though, to seek wisdom from God before attempting reconciliation after such serious conflicts. The hope, is that every Christian should desire reconciliation. This is, after all, the nature of our ambassadorship (see 2 Corinthians 5:19-20). David recognized later (see the next chapter from our verse above), that reconciliation was simply not possible. Coming back together is always ideal, but without Christ, it is not always possible.
P) Father, thank You for the plan of reconciliation. You started with individuals. In my own life, You brought me back to You, through the Holy Spirit drawing me, and the gospel work of Jesus Christ. I ask first, that every conflict I ever have, has the gospel message at it's core. I pray for the reconciliation of people to You, first and foremost. Beyond that, Lord I pray that Your will is accomplished and I am able to reconcile with people after there have been conflicts between us. However, I recognize that this is not always possible, outside of Christ. So, I pray for wisdom as well. Open my eyes and ears, to see what You will have me do when I'm seeking to resolve conflict. Give me wisdom in my own conflicts, and certainly if I am trying to give advice to others. Above all else, I pray for Your will to be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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