Day 109, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalm 13; Psalm 17; Psalm 22; 1Samuel 24
Vindicate Me!
You sit down and put your head against the wall. You can't believe they treated you this way. How could they do it? It's so unfair!
At one time or another, almost every person wants vindication for injustice. Perhaps we've been accused of lying, cheating, stealing, or some crime. We're innocent, but someone blames us, slanders us, or has us arrested. We're innocent! To whom can we turn for our defense?
God protects David
David, the godly young warrior, was the victim of King Saul’s jealousy. Although he never did anything wrong, he was hunted down by Saul and his men— David’s popularity and success were a perceived threat to his throne.
He fled from Saul and eventually lived in the Philistine territory to escape the king’s monstrous jealousy. Nevertheless, Saul came after him. When he'd just about captured David and his men, he received a sudden report that the Philistines were invading the land. He had to break off the pursuit to fight them. God was protecting David.
David forfeits the opportunity for revenge
In today’s Bible reading, King Saul returns with a choice army of 3,000 men to pursue his rival once again. He chases him to the Crags of the Wild Goats (a description of his hiding place). David and his men hide back in a large cave when Saul enters it to sleep. David’s men see this as an opportunity from God to slay his enemy, but this argument doesn't persuade him. When David secretly cuts off part of Saul’s robe, he's conscience-stricken. Saul, although stubborn and insanely jealous, is still the LORD’s anointed king. Therefore, he spares Saul’s life, showing honor for his position and an unwillingness to subvert his rule.
Just because we have the opportunity to exercise justice doesn't mean we should. Jesus says, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27, NIV). Do we have a respectful attitude toward the leadership of our government, church, or other organization? We may say, “If we don’t remove them, who will?” David appeals to God, and so should we.
You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help (Psalm 22: 23-24, NIV).
David suffers like Jesus Christ
Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm. Messianic Psalms usually have a present application to a situation and a reference to the future life of Jesus Christ. David feels afflicted in the desert when Saul’s men pursue him to kill him. Jesus, too, would later suffer. Religious leaders and soldiers would arrest, mock, and abuse him a thousand years later. Then, they and a crowd of people would call out for his crucifixion. Afterward, soldiers would nail him to a rough-hewn cross. There he would experience tremendous physical, mental, and spiritual pain, as he unjustly suffers for our sins and the sins of the rest of the world (listen and read a dramatic poem about the crucifixion of Christ)
When we are suffering, we should remember that Jesus Christ can completely sympathize with us. He was mocked, spit upon, beaten, whipped, and crucified, although he did nothing to deserve it and was quiet (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:1-2,11-54).When we're threatened or suffer physical or mental abuse, the LORD will deliver us from our afflictions or help us bear them.
How do we deal with those who treat us unjustly?
If it's a civil or criminal matter, God has ordained the government (i.e., our police and courts) to help us (Romans 13:1-4). Otherwise, we Christians are to treat them with kindness, honor, and humility as much as possible.David doesn't have the privilege to take his case to court, so he appeals to God. Like David, let's not revenge the wrongs done to us—let's leave that to our Lord. The Apostle Paul would later write,
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21, NIV)
Until we receive justice, let's continue to be blameless, kind, honoring, and live with humility and in fear of the LORD.
Focus Verses
Psalm 22:24 (NIV) “For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NIV) “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”
Discussion
What do we do about injustice? Should we take revenge ourselves? Explain.
Does God care when we'are suffering? How do we know?
When will God vindicate us, and what are we to do in the meantime?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: Like David, we may want vindication, but where is our refuge from the storm in the meantime? Find out in our next lesson.
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