Wise vs. Foolish (April 22)

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.
                                   From Psalm 22 NIV

But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him!  Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?  As surely as the Lord lives," he said, "the Lord will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish."

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 erred greatly."
                                          From 1 Samuel 26 NIV

In our readings today, one might pick out a contrast between the faithful, hopeful, wise and dependent on the Lord statements of David and the arrogant statements of Saul.  Today Saul does state that he acted like a fool and that he did sin.  In his statement, he does not really ask for forgiveness, repent or mention that he will change his ways in the future. 

We can be impressed by David's trust and respect for the sovereign Lord by recalling his actions and reading today's passage.  David realizes the Lord is perfect and is the source of his greatness.  With this realization, here at the second opportunity to kill Saul, David spares Saul's life, for despite Saul's failings, Saul is anointed.  David considers the question: "who can lay a hand on God's anointed and be guiltless?"

David further impresses us with his wisdom in action, by retreating some distance away before awaking Saul.  I suspect David realizes that Saul, if given the opportunity would act foolishly and kill David.

My dictionary defines fool as: a person who lacks good judgement; a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of.

David in his actions guide us in our actions as we follow Jesus' words of Luke 10:3 NIV Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves, also Matthew 10:16 NIV   I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therfore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

When and how do you look to the Lord for guidance?

How do you look to the Lord for refuge?

Can you think of a time when the Lord was a shield for you when you took refuge in him?

Give reverent thanks and praise today for Christ and his work on the  cross, where his efficient, effective, eternal blood was shed for your sin to make you acceptable to God.

In Christ,

David P