Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today we’ll put our finger on not touching God’s anointed

Today’s scripture, 1 Samuel 24:4‭-‬8 (NLT), says…
“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my Lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way, David came out and shouted after him, “My Lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

Consider…
Over 20 years ago, I remember criticizing preachers to one of my best friends. I also remember, and appreciate that he admonished me by saying, “touch not thine anointed”. He told me in a stern way that I should ‘keep my mouth off of people who are called by God’. 20 years later, Ken’s admonition still restrains me from judging pastors and any leaders.

In today’s scripture we see David, who had been hunted by King Saul, in a position to take out his enemy. And he was about to, but the Holy Spirit convicted him, so he exercised self-control and recognized he dare not touch God’s anointed one.

This shows us that even though some in authority over us may intend to harm us, we’re not permitted to retaliate, even when the opportunity exists. That’s because if you recall from yesterday Romans 13:1 (NLT) says…
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Beyond King Saul, David wrestled with other enemies he wanted God to deal with or permit him to fight. It seems noble that David would want to see God’s enemies as his too. It reminds me of kids who wanted to fight someone because they talked bad about their mom or dad. That’s the image I see when I read David’s prayer in Psalms 139:19-‬22 (NLT)…
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.

It’s natural to want God to deal with or allow us to deal with, enemies that we have made our own, sometimes in defense of someone we love. It also makes sense for us to want to defend and protect ourselves from folks that are trying to kill us. Yet remember, when being persecuted by His enemies, Jesus didn’t say a mumbling word. He also didn’t lift a finger to stop them, instead he healed them.

After David’s conflicted prayer above, he shifted from vengeance to repentance. He realized that he needed God’s correction and direction when it came to fighting enemies. Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 (NLT) is the continuation of his prayer…
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Wait a minute, it just hit me, David prayed about his enemies! That’s what Jesus admonishes us to do in Matthew 5:44 (NLT)…
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

By the way, Saul was killed by the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 10. In the end, God dealt with David’s enemy. In the same way, when we pray about our enemies, God will be our vindicator too.

Which is why Romans 12:19‭-‬20 (NLT) admonishes…
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

So it’s really less about not touching God’s anointed and more about living like His anointed by loving and leaving (to God) your enemies.

Being God’s Kingdom ambassador-citizen here on earth includes remembering, and showing, your enemies that the battle’s not yours, it’s the Lord’s!

The Holy Spirit just showed me that everything we do should lead people to God, whether they experience His love or wrath is completely up to them.

So today, when you encounter an enemy, especially one God has placed in authority over, put your fighting hands down and your prayer hands up, because the battle is not yours, it’s the Lord’s! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Today’s song is…
The Battle Is The Lord’s
https://youtu.be/TulOY7XlF8A?si=e1RmE1Zfcy6zn9Vp

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)