In 1 Samuel we see two men who have many things in common, but with a couple huge differences that make all the difference.
Those 2 differences were:
1. Anointing
2. Fear

 
1. As we know Saul was chosen by the people because of his might. God allowed this with the warning that they would regret it.
David was chosen despite being the smallest of the sons of Jesse.

2. Both men feared, but Saul feared man and David feared God. There are many examples of this, but the one I read this morning was the story of David sparing Saul’s life, twice, after Saul had tried to kill David twice. Here is David’s reasoning from 1 Samuel 26:23-24:

“[23] The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. [24] Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the LORD, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.”

David says and does 3 things here that show us whom he feared:
– He sees that the LORD is the one who rewards and that is greater than killing the king who wants you dead and whose throne you will take if you do.
– He says Saul is anointed by the LORD. He knows the history, he knows that God allowed the people to have what they wanted. He knows and believes God is in control of history.
– He saw the kings life as precious and that this was an act of worship.

Saul and David both sinned.
Saul and David where both in the same position, king.
Both men where powerful in human terms.
One man was called a man after God’s own heart. The other was judged and found wanting by the King of Kings.

Lets see our identity today through the eyes of God. We are not just Pastors, Directors, Coordinators, Husbands, Wives, Parents, or Counselors today. We are his beloved. Our feelings today will come from whom we fear and who we are. Before this passage and God’s work this morning, I felt like a failure because of small mistakes. I am fighting today to feel like a worshipper who has a great God who is worthy of praise and who holds me, history, his church, and all people in his hands.

– Jason Blackley