The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Samuel 26:23a,
"The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."
This statement by David to Saul was on the occasion of the second opportunity David had to kill Saul (who was pursuing David to kill him!). The statement was made by David to explain his motivation for sparing Saul's life. David sought first the Lord's reward rather than satisfy his own potential hostility toward his would-be killer.
As I consider David's words, we all know the point he was making for himself. However, as I consider my own life, I am reminded of a couple of things his son, Solomon, had to say. "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7:20. Also, "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" Proverbs 20:6.
As I examine my own life, when David says we are rewarded for our righteousness and faithfulness, my performance in this life would provide a reward no one would want! It would certainly be of the "negative" variety.
How happy I am that God decided to send his Son to do for me what I could never have been able to do myself! I am reminded of Titus 3:4-7, "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
"The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."
This statement by David to Saul was on the occasion of the second opportunity David had to kill Saul (who was pursuing David to kill him!). The statement was made by David to explain his motivation for sparing Saul's life. David sought first the Lord's reward rather than satisfy his own potential hostility toward his would-be killer.
As I consider David's words, we all know the point he was making for himself. However, as I consider my own life, I am reminded of a couple of things his son, Solomon, had to say. "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7:20. Also, "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" Proverbs 20:6.
As I examine my own life, when David says we are rewarded for our righteousness and faithfulness, my performance in this life would provide a reward no one would want! It would certainly be of the "negative" variety.
How happy I am that God decided to send his Son to do for me what I could never have been able to do myself! I am reminded of Titus 3:4-7, "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Just how wonderful is that?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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