The Right Attitude

“David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, ‘May you be blessed of the Lord because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him . . . I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.’” 2 Samuel 2:5-6 NASB

The people around David seemed genuinely puzzled. They had followed him after he successfully led Israel’s armies in battles. They remained faithful when King Saul became
jealous, and sent Israel’s armies to hunt David down.
Then, when Saul and his armies pursued David into the wilderness, David seemed to have the ideal opportunity for revenge. When Saul and his soldiers rested in a cave, David’s men thought God had given “your enemy into your hand.”
David responded by cutting off Saul’s robe. But he could have done much more. Yet even after this action, “David’s conscience bothered him.” His men could not understand this response. David explained that, even though Saul was wrong to pursue him, he still was “the Lord’s anointed.” And David knew that striking out against Saul was striking out against God (1 Samuel 24:1-6).
David demonstrated the same attitude after Saul’s death. Instead of being pleased, David mourned. And he even put to death the Amalekite who brought him the news that “the Lord’s anointed” was dead (2 Samuel 1:1-16).
David also displayed this attitude toward the people of Jabesh-Gilead after they buried Saul. Others might have thought he would punish those who showed loyalty to Saul (as Saul had punished many who aided David). But David only was concerned with pleasing God.
David consistently demonstrated that he was a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His example reminds us that God looks for those who are humble. Who seek to serve Him and, regardless of human opinions, seek to follow His leading and obey His Word.

Prayer: Father, help me to have Your attitude toward the people in my life. May my thoughts, choices, and words please You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.