Imperfect, but still “God’s Anointed”

Thursday, April 21, 2016 Piedra Buena, Patagonia

Scripture reading:  1 Sam 24   Psalm 57, 58   1 Chron 8   Matt 7

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  1 Sam 24:6  David speaks, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD."

Vs 19-21 Saul speaks “...if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.  And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.”  NKJV

O. David will not allow his men to harm Saul, although Saul has 3,000 men out seeking his life.  He refuses to rise against “the Lord’s anointed”.  However, he sneaks up and cuts off the corner of Saul’s robe... and afterward feels remorse for even having done that.  When Saul sees the true heart of David... he knows that David has no intention of ever harming him.  And he verbally admits that David will soon be the new king.  David is aware that King Saul is a man driven by jealousy into terrible acts of violence and is out seeking to kill him, yet he refuses to retaliate with violence.  In spite of all the evil Saul has done, David sees Saul as “the Lord’s anointed”. 

A.  I was serving as assistant pastor in Orangevale. A couple, who apparently had “run the church” for years and frightened off several former pastors, rose up against our Pastor Mel Woods.  Pastor Woods wasn’t perfect, but he was a loving, caring pastor.  At the peak of the trouble this couple called for a church board meeting.  My office was right next door.  Pastor asked me to listen and to pray for him.  I heard as this couple raised up many unsupported accusations against Pastor Woods.  Each time they would stop, Brother Woods would say calmly, “Is that all?”  They would answer, “No that is not all!” and start out again with an ugly attitude.  Finally, when they had nothing more to say, Pastor Woods turned to an elder who he knew was a good man, “Brother Meriweather, what do you think?” “I’m with you, Pastor.”  Pastor Woods did not try to defend himself.  He just asked each of the board members for their opinion.  All stood with their pastor. This couple rose in a fury and left the church, but they contacted many people and convinced over 30 of them to leave the church including a beautiful new family that had recently given their hearts to Christ.  The following week we had our highest attendance and the church continued to grow rapidly.  Many years later the woman that rose against the Pastor Woods, called from her sick bed and asked for him to come.  She thought she was dying and wanted to ask forgiveness for rising against “God’s anointed.” 

P.  Lord, I know that Your “anointed” servants are all imperfect men and women.  Sometimes they fall into sin and have to be confronted.  Still, please help me to never have to rise against one of Your “anointed.”  Yes, Lord, I know that sometimes Your “anointed” ones use this high honor to rise above others.  Saul had become a madman, but You have left David’s story, who refused to lift a hand against Saul, for me to read and learn ... for David is one of my godly mentors.  Amen.

Ralph