Do you take control or trust God?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In today's reading, we will be concluding Chapter 24. This chapter begins with David seeking refuge in Engedi while Saul learns of his whereabouts and pursues him with 3000 soldiers. Upon reaching the location, Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David hid. Despite having the opportunity to take Saul's life, David chose to spare him and instead risked his own safety by leaving the cave. The text takes an unexpected turn when Saul responds to David in a surprising manner, and this interaction is further elaborated in today's text 1 Samuel 24:20-22.

And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house." And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. — 1 Samuel 24:20-22

Saul publicly acknowledges something everyone else has already acknowledged for years — David would be the next king. But Saul, in a sober moment, asks David to grant him two requests. First, he asked that David "not cut off my offspring" or that David not follow the ancient Near Eastern custom of killing all descendants of his dynastic predecessor. Second, he asked that David "not destroy my name out of my father's house," a request closely related to the first but underscoring the preservation of his name.

Without hesitation, David pledged his oath to Saul, reaffirming the solemn promise he had previously made with Jonathan. David's unwavering commitment would later manifest in his benevolent act of providing sanctuary, bestowing a position of honor, and granting a generous inheritance to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13; 19:29; 21:7).

David's decision to spare Saul's life in that cave, even when it seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, speaks volumes about the kind of man and leader David aspired to be—one ruled by faith in God. He saw beyond his need to control the situation, understanding that God controlled all things, including his future.

We are called to live lives marked by faith that expresses the same qualities: mercy and grace, not vengeance.

In this story, we catch a small glimpse of the Gospel. David's faith in God resulted in the salvation of himself, his 600 men, Saul, and his 3000 men. Not one man's life was lost in this moment. Not only that, it resulted in a double oath that extended Saul's family and name to future generations. In the same way, Jesus's faith in God extends salvation to all future generations. Like Saul, we who were delusional sinners blatantly rebellious to God in every way and deserving of God's vengeance were redeemed by a sinless man who offered us saving grace and mercy through sacrifice so that we might know God's grace to all future generations.

Today, consider the capacity of faith in God to extend life rather than take it. Don't take matters into your own hands; trust in God's hand, and see the power of God's saving grace in every moment of your day. Extend grace because you've received the ultimate grace through Him.

#FaithInAction, #ExtendGrace, #DavidAndSaul

1. How can you practice extending grace in your relationships, even when it’s difficult?
2. In what situations do you struggle to trust God's plan over your own?

Have faith in God's grace.

Lord, help me to trust in Your plan and extend grace to others, just as David did with Saul. May my actions reflect Your mercy and love in every situation I face. Amen.

Stand In Faith.