Scripture Union Discovery Devotional 30 January 2018 – Reconciliation and Reunion?
OPENING PRAYER – Thank You, God, for forgiving me. May I open my heart in forgiveness to others as well today.
Read – 1 SAMUEL 26:17–25 (New International Version (NIV)
17 Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?”
David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.” 18 And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? 19 Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, people have done it, may they be cursed before the Lord! They have driven me today from my share in the Lord’s inheritance and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.”
22 “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it. 23 The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. 24 As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”
25 Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph.”
So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.
Reflect – IF YOU WERE PLANNING TO MEET SOMEONE TODAY WITH WHOM YOU HAD FALLEN OUT IN THE PAST, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
David has taken Saul’s spear—the symbol of his power and authority (12), but saved his life. He calls out to those guarding the king, rebuking them for their failure to do their duty and protect Saul (15,16), and Saul now recognizes David’s voice.
A brief conversation begins. David asks why Saul is continuing to pursue and threaten him. What wrong has he done? If he has sinned then he deserves what is happening. If he is innocent then may the men involved be judged and cursed by the Lord (19). As hunters mercilessly pursue the partridge, so David is being constantly hunted (20).
Saul’s response is to admit his sin and failure and to ask David to come back to him. He blesses David as his son and assures him of the Lord’s plans and blessing for the future (25). But David cannot trust Saul now. He hands over the spear to one of Saul’s young men but he will not hand himself over. Saul returns to his regal court, and David continues his wanderings. They have attempted to restore their relationship but there is no trust.
APPLY – Is there someone you find it hard to trust? Sit down and ask God to help you come up with some healthy and loving boundaries.
CLOSING PRAYER – Lord, I pray that You would restore my relationships as only You can do. Show me how to love with Your kind of love.
