Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel chapter 31. Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 31 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway
I quote only the following verses.
“Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul. The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and pierce me through and make sport of me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.” 1 Samuel 31:1-6.
———————
Some may have planned revenge for some time. They may think it is justice to do it, and they may think they have the perfect plan to do it. They may think today is the day to do it.
David certainly faced such temptation when Saul repeatedly tried to kill him. David had several opportunities to exact revenge and kill Saul. Others urged him to do so. But, David resisted that temptation. Here is a link to one example in 1 Samuel 24:1-7. 1 Samuel 24 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway
Today’s Scripture shows the day that Saul was killed without David doing it and leads us to meditate on the following Scriptures.
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21.
“8 The LORD judges the peoples;
Vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.
9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous;
For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.
10 My shield is with God,
Who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:8-10.
“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.” Matthew 16:27.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 