Again, A Matter Of Perspective

Saul recognized David’s voice and called out, “Is that you, my son David?” [1 Samuel 26.17] 

Once again today we see another example of Saul addressing David from a different perspective relationally calling him by his name, David, instead of defensively calling him "son of Jesse."

Interestingly enough, this more personal perspective of "David" again comes immediately on the heels of Saul realizing he had been vulnerable and that David could have effortlessly killed him in that vulnerability.

Saul truly was tormented.

One facet of Saul's torment can be seen in the following passage:

Now some men from Ziph came to Saul at Gibeah to tell him, “David is hiding on the hill of Hakilah, which overlooks Jeshimon.” [Samuel 26.1]

Unlike, David, Saul did not have the courage to "rule" his people. Instead, Saul seemed highly affected by what others thought and said. 

This all causes me to think about Jesus setting Peter straight:

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” [Matthew 16.23]

Jesus, like David, was able to follow instructions and do God's will. Saul pretty much just went with what the people wanted. Peter, in the instance above, was also just doing what the people wanted - to have a king.

More than once, Saul's inability to lead landed him in trouble with God. He had the "anointing" but failed to use it correctly, which, reminds me of something Jesus said:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ [Matthew 7.21-23]

I apologize for the randomness of these thoughts, but, there really is something to the thought of what our perspective is regarding our position in Christ. If we would view our obedience in light of the fact that we are ultimately beholding to God and that mercy has been shown to us, we would be more like David (and even like Saul for a few moments in his life) and show mercy ourselves. However, if we listen to the world, we can be sure that our path will wander far from God and His will.

Father, Your message to me is clear on this day (whether it applies to anyone else or not). I must show mercy (and keep showing mercy) from the perspective that I have been shown mercy. Otherwise, torment cannot be far away. So be it.