The Haters, Our Enemies

Saul is in an all out assault against David now.  He is hunting David down so he can eliminate him once and for all  Saul wants David dead.

But David learned of Saul's plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the LORD what he should do. Then David prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul is planning to come and destroy Keilah because I am here. Will the leaders of Keilah betray me to him? And will Saul actually come as I have heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell me." And the LORD said, "He will come." Again David asked, "Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?" And the LORD replied, "Yes, they will betray you." (1 Samuel 23:9-12 NLT)

Now David has a decision to make.  He isn’t in a situation where he can just hope Saul will change his mind.  Saul clearly wants him dead.  Now the question: Does he continue to honor the king or does he turn on Saul and fight.  Saul may have killed his thousands, but David killed his tens of thousands.  David killed hundreds of Philistines to win Saul’s daughter’s hand in marriage.  Come on, David brought down Goliath!  David can surely win this battle.  Besides, David is already anointed as king.  Perhaps it is time.

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (Luke 6:27-28 NLT)

But when we start thinking that way, we forget two very important things.  First, David won all of these victories in the power of the LORD.  Secondly, Saul is the LORD’s appointed king.  To go up against Saul means going up against the LORD and the LORD’s king.  David, knew that would not work.

If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! (Luke 6:32-33 NLT)

So, David fought the right battle.  He loved God, fought the real enemy, and honored the king. Even when the king hated David and set himself up as David’s enemy, David loved his enemy and prayed for the one who persecuted him.

So, how about you?  Do you love those who hate you?  Do you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?