Thursday, June 22, 2006
1 Samuel 24 “Revenge?”
The greatest scene I have seen in a movie was from one of the old "Smokey and the Bandit" movies.
Three burly fellows on huge motorcycles pulled up to a highway cafe where a truck driver, just a little guy, was perched on a stool quietly eating his lunch. As the three fellows came in, they spotted him, grabbed his food away from him and laughed in his face. The truck driver said nothing. He got up, paid for his food, and walked out. One of the three cyclists, unhappy that they hadn't succeeded in provoking the little man into a fight, commented to the waitress: "Boy, he sure wasn't much of a man, was he?" The waitress replied, "Well, I guess not." Then, looking out the window, she added, "I guess he's not much of a truck driver, either. He just ran over three motorcycles."
Have you heard the old saying, “Don’t get mad...get...even?!” That statement summarizes the spirit of our culture. Revenge is on our minds today. Osama bin Laden. Revenge is not only on our minds, it’s big business today! Eg: Movies have been released about the subject of revenge. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you might remember “The Revenge of the Sith.” All kinds of material is available for science fiction fans about the subject of revenge. “Don’t Get Mad, Get Even: And now just a phone call away, revenge ala carte.” The article described how you can get even with people for just a few bucks. For $25...you can send them flowers...that are dead, of course. There is even a web site called “Revenge Unlimited.” It asks the following questions: “Have you been wronged, mistreated, annoyed, or ignored? Is someone tormenting you beyond what you can bear? Are you ready for some pay back?! Revenge Unlimited believes that there are people in desperate need of a good dose of humility.” Look at what you can buy on this site:
Be Your Own Undertaker - How to dispose of a dead body GET EVEN 2: More Dirty Tricks from the Master of Revenge How to Irritate People Make My Day! Screw Unto Others - Revenge Tactics for all Occasions Tenant's Revenge The Womans Book of Divorce Your Revenge is in the Mail
In his book, The Great House of God, Max Lucado tells about a visitor who went to Yellowstone Park and saw a grizzly bear feeding on some discarded food near a campsite. For several minutes, he was all alone--no other animal dared to get close. But after just a few moments, a skunk walked toward the food, took his place right next to the grizzly, and started eating, too. The bear didn’t seem to mind, and the visitor said, “Apparently, the grizzly knew the high cost of getting even.” That’s something a lot of us don’t’ really understand. There is a high cost that comes with revenge. One author said it like this: “The problem with revenge is that it never gets what it wants; it never evens the score. The chain reaction set off by every act of revenge always takes an unhindered course.” “It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain...and the escalator never stops, never lets anyone off.” That’s what happens if we let vengeance get the best of us. Yet I believe that the temptation to get even is life’s most subtle temptation. And all of us battle it. All of us can think of people who have wronged us. So when we come to the story of David, it shouldn’t surprise us that he dealt with this same temptation...the temptation to get even. This morning we want to examine two insights that will help us overcome life’s most subtle temptation--the desire to get even. If you have a copy of the Scriptures, why don’t you turn to I Samuel 24? Now the trap of revenge is as old as the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous of his brother and wanted to get even...so he killed him. And life’s most subtle temptation has been a trap for every single man or woman, boy or girl since then. Eg: Did you ever watch children arguing with each other? The desire to get even is at the core of most arguments that kids have. “Why did you take that?” “Because it’s mine!” “No it’s not, [whack], it’s mine.” “It is not, it’s mine! [whack]” And some of us never grow out of that pattern.... So with that in mind, first of all I want you to see...
1. THE PROBLEM OF REVENGE
The Bible says it best. “Resentment kills a fool” (Job 5:2). The problem is that our desire to get even shows up in all areas of life. It might be aroused by an employer who treats us unfairly...or a teacher who won’t listen...or a coach who puts us on the bench...or a friend who turns into an enemy...or a spouse who walks out...or a parent who abuses us. The problem with revenge is that we often...
A. CALL IT BY A DIFFERENT NAME. Sometimes we refer to revenge as... “My Rights.” We think, “Nobody is going to walk over me. I’m not a doormat. I’m not going to lie down and just take this.” Sometimes that’s the way we look at the subject of revenge. And sometimes we call it... “Justified Retaliation.” We think, “What I have done is right...what he has done is wrong...and I’m going to get even.” Well God calls it something else. He calls it vengeance. And we get some insight into...
B. WHY WE ARE TEMPTED TO GET REVENGE
Now as we come to this section of Scripture, understand that David had been chosen by God as the new king of Israel. King Saul had disobeyed the clear instructions of the Lord, so his days were numbered as the king. David’s popularity was growing, so Saul was doing everything possible to wipe David off the earth. He was out for blood! In fact that Scripture tells us that Saul sought to kill David every day. The first thing that leads to revenge is...
Injury. The fact of the matter is that David was a fugitive running for his life. With about 600 of his loyal men, he fled to the desert south of Jerusalem. Verse 29 in the previous chapter tells us that David and his men lived in an oasis in the desert called En Gedi. Well Saul found out that David was near En Gedi, so verse 2 tells us that he “took 3000 chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men....” Now En Gedi hasn’t changed much since the days of David. It’s an oasis in the middle of a wilderness with waterfalls and lush vegetation and countless caves where David could hide. Apparently David and his men took refuge in these caves of En Gedi. The caves pockmarked the cliffs and were ideal places to camouflage their presence. Even though Saul wanted to kill him, David was protected in this unique place. With that setting in mind you’ll notice that the story tells about a...
Moment of Vulnerability. The Bible is a real book, and this story is living proof. In his rush to capture David, the Scripture tells us that Saul apparently had to answer the call of nature. Read verse 3: “He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.” Apparently Saul tramps right into the mouth of the cave where David and his men had been hiding. Talk about being vulnerable. It was bad enough for the king to be seen at that moment, but to be in the very presence of the enemy! If you ever want to test your own character, ask yourself what you would do when your enemy is vulnerable. David’s men recognized that King Saul was a sitting duck. They said to David: “This is the day the Lord spoke of when He said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” They were saying, “Here is your opportunity, David. Here is God’s way of providing you a chance to become the king. Go get ‘em. This is it!” And that led to...
A Moment of Depravity. The Scripture says: “David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” For just a moment, David capitulated. Can’t you see him? Saul is there on his haunches looking out of the cave, and David sneaks up right behind him and--snip--ever so silently cuts off a piece of his robe! You see, that’s the way we rationalize the temptation to get even. “Who cares if you take a little bit from the company, they’ve got so much? They won’t miss these stamps or a few pieces of stationery.” Let me tell you now, there is no such thing as a small step on the path to revenge. Even a small step is the wrong step. And David surrendered in his own moment of depravity to the temptation to get revenge. So when we feel the urge to get even...When we feel the temptation to strike back at somebody who has hurt us, what should we do? What’s the...
2. THE PRESCRIPTION FOR REVENGE
There are 4 things that will help you overcome the temptation to get even...
A. REALIZE THAT MISTREATMENT IS INEVITABLE.
Jesus said it like this: “In this world you will have tribulation.” It’s going to happen! After all, the book of Romans describes people around us in this world like this: “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” If we live in a world like that, you can be sure mistreatment is going to happen. That doesn’t make it right. That doesn’t make it easy. But it will happen. Just expect it. Life isn’t fair.
B. RECOGNIZE FEELINGS OF REVENGE for what they are. As soon as David cut off the piece of Saul’s robe...his conscience bothered him. He could have killed Saul, but he didn’t. All he did was cut off a part of the king’s robe. So what was the big deal? Who would notice? Here’s the point...There’s no such thing as a small step on the road to temptation or the path to revenge. Even a small step in that direction is a wrong step! You see, when you know God, you’ll be bothered by things like this. David said to himself, “That wasn’t right. I shouldn’t have done that. Saul is the king.” If you and I are going to deal with life’s most subtle temptation--we need to recognize feelings of revenge for what they are.
C. REFUSE TO RETALIATE. That is why David came out on top. His men said to him, “You’ve got Saul right where you want him, David.” And he almost did. But when he came near the king, instead of plunging his knife into Saul’s back, David refused to retaliate. Think about that for a minutes. Are you resentful because of the way someone has treated you? Are you holding a grudge against that person, hoping quietly to retaliate? You need to ask God to free you from that bondage. Do you know why? It’s only hurting you. Many years ago, two comedians Abbot and Costello, Costello wore a bottle around his neck. Abbot asked him, “What’s in the bottle?!” “Nitroglycerine.” Abbot was stunned that Costello would be wearing a necklace of nitro, so he asked for an explanation. Andy told him about a guy who had a bad habit of poking people in the chest when he was speaking. “This guy drives me crazy. I’m wearing this nitro so the next time he pokes me, he’ll blow off his finger.” That’s the way it is with revenge. When I choose to harbour resentment and try to get even, it only hurts me. And I am here to tell you, it’s THE MOST subtle temptation in life. I know from experience. Now I don’t know what it is for you. You might be tempted to get even with an employer who promised you something that didn’t come through. You might be tempted to get even with a spouse who walked out in a moment of crisis. You might be tempted to get even with your mum or dad or a friend. The Scripture simply says: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” How often should I get revenge? God says, “Never. That’s my job.” Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Now we’re not talking about our national defense here. We’re not talking about defending our shores when the enemy comes. We’re talking about a personal harm that is done to us that we didn’t like. Refuse to fan the flame of resentment. “Never repay evil for evil.” Realize that mistreatment is inevitable. Recognize feelings of revenge. Refuse to retaliate. And...
D. REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS. Do you know what Jesus did when He was mistreated? Do you know what He did when He was falsely accused? Do you know what He did when He was put to death? He refused to retaliate. Look at these words from 1 Peter 2: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” (I Peter 2:23) SO, WHAT TO DO? So what should you do when others attack and slander you? Can you trust God or is it required that you take things into your own hands? Years ago the great Missionary/statesman Oswald J. Smith had this slogan, “No defence. No attack.” It means that whenever another person attacks your character and conduct, don’t defend yourself. Commit it all to God. Conversely whenever another Christian was seen to be in the wrong, don’t attack them. Make no personal remark but allow God Himself to deal with the situation. Oh how different that is from our day, where we see Christians rushing into print to attack one another. They seem to delight in repeating slander and gossip; two things which God calls an abomination. (Proverbs 6:19) This is not the way of Christ. This is not the way of love.
Charles Spurgeon was the most eminent and successful preacher of his time, yet he suffered great persecution and criticism from other churchmen. Maybe they were jealous of his success. Be that as it may, his response was to tell of a Scottish castle, which has these words carved in the beam over the entrance gate. “They say. What do they say? Let them say it.” Some people will always find fault with what you do, no matter how and why you do it. Ignore them and carry on. Remember you serve the Lord Christ alone. Besides, just who are ‘they?’
3. THE PERVASIVENESS OF REVENGE. David wasn’t finished with the problem of revenge. It took a little incident with an arrogant man to stir his own heart to hatred and revenge. 1 Samuel 25 tells the story of Nabal, a foolish kind of fellow. A man in Maon had a business in Carmel; he was a very rich man with 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats and was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 The man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name, Abigail. The woman was intelligent and beautiful, but the man, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.
Every one knew about Nabal. Including David. However it was a feast day. David’s men had helped Nabal make a packet of money. So david’s request was more than fair: “Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’ ”
But Nabal treated them rudely: Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is Jesse’s son? Many slaves these days are running away from their masters. … David got pretty mad!
21 David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good. 22 May God punish me, and even more if I let any of his men survive until morning.”
But before David can get there, all shook up! Abigail Nabals wife turns up.She cools David down over compensates for Nabal’s foolishness, and encourages David to wait for God’s timing.
28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you. 29 “When someone pursues you and attempts to take your life, my lord’s life will be tucked safely in the place where the Lord your God protects the living. However, He will fling away your enemies’ lives like [stones]from a sling. 30 When the Lord does for my lord all the good He promised and appoints you ruler over Israel, 31 there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. And when the Lord does good things for my lord, may you remember [me]your servant.”
Do you see the final principle here?
REALIZE THAT MISTREATMENT IS INEVITABLE.
RECOGNIZE FEELINGS OF REVENGE for what they are.
REFUSE TO RETALIATE.
REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
1 Peter 2: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” (I Peter 2:23)
RELEASE THE PROBLEM TO THE LORD.
37 In the morning when Nabal sobered up, his wife told him about these events. Then he had a seizure and became paralyzed. 38 About 10 days later, the Lord struck Nabal dead. 39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the Lord who championed my cause against Nabal’s insults and restrained His servant from doing evil. The Lord brought Nabal’s evil deeds back on his own head.”
The Lord dealt with the problem in ways that only the Lord could know to do.
We cannot change people’s minds about the injury they want to do to us. But we can commit ourselves to Him who Judges justly. My purposes for me aren’t worth anything. But God’s purposes will stand. And they are the only ones that matter.
Sometimes the temptation to avenge a wrong is the very thing that the Lord is teaching us. He may be teaching you to lay aside your rights, and accept His Lordship over your conditions.
Sometimes I am tempted to lay awake at night nursing a grudge. The more you nurse a grudge the more its likely to eat you up. Somebody wisely said, that Its not what you eat that is the problem, but what’s eating you.
You need to release this problem to the Lord! Psalm 37
1 Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. 2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.4 Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, 6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. 7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans. 8 Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. 9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for him, he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity. 12 The wicked schemes against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him. 13 The Lord laughs at himbecause He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow to bring down the afflicted and needy and to slaughter those whose way is upright. 15 Their swords will enter their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Do you realize that the God of Heaven has been mistreated by every one of us in this room. We have caused the death of the Son of God by our own sinfulness. And the Father in Heaven chose for the Son to die in our place so that we could experience His forgiveness. He set the pace for us. My friend, it is no wonder that Jesus said: “Love your enemies!” He has already done that. All of us who were separated from God because of our own willfulness have experienced the incredible love and grace of God. He refused to condemn us all to eternity apart from Him the moment we sinned one time. We are alive today because Jesus didn’t retaliate. And He offers every one of us the opportunity to respond to His love and grace right now. You can do that in your heart of hearts if you will come to Him just as you are. Would you seek His forgiveness? Would you ask Him to take the resentment that you feel toward someone this morning? Would you ask Him to take control of your life and be the One who is in charge. You will never regret forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve it.
Three burly fellows on huge motorcycles pulled up to a highway cafe where a truck driver, just a little guy, was perched on a stool quietly eating his lunch. As the three fellows came in, they spotted him, grabbed his food away from him and laughed in his face. The truck driver said nothing. He got up, paid for his food, and walked out. One of the three cyclists, unhappy that they hadn't succeeded in provoking the little man into a fight, commented to the waitress: "Boy, he sure wasn't much of a man, was he?" The waitress replied, "Well, I guess not." Then, looking out the window, she added, "I guess he's not much of a truck driver, either. He just ran over three motorcycles."
Have you heard the old saying, “Don’t get mad...get...even?!” That statement summarizes the spirit of our culture. Revenge is on our minds today. Osama bin Laden. Revenge is not only on our minds, it’s big business today! Eg: Movies have been released about the subject of revenge. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you might remember “The Revenge of the Sith.” All kinds of material is available for science fiction fans about the subject of revenge. “Don’t Get Mad, Get Even: And now just a phone call away, revenge ala carte.” The article described how you can get even with people for just a few bucks. For $25...you can send them flowers...that are dead, of course. There is even a web site called “Revenge Unlimited.” It asks the following questions: “Have you been wronged, mistreated, annoyed, or ignored? Is someone tormenting you beyond what you can bear? Are you ready for some pay back?! Revenge Unlimited believes that there are people in desperate need of a good dose of humility.” Look at what you can buy on this site:
Be Your Own Undertaker - How to dispose of a dead body GET EVEN 2: More Dirty Tricks from the Master of Revenge How to Irritate People Make My Day! Screw Unto Others - Revenge Tactics for all Occasions Tenant's Revenge The Womans Book of Divorce Your Revenge is in the Mail
In his book, The Great House of God, Max Lucado tells about a visitor who went to Yellowstone Park and saw a grizzly bear feeding on some discarded food near a campsite. For several minutes, he was all alone--no other animal dared to get close. But after just a few moments, a skunk walked toward the food, took his place right next to the grizzly, and started eating, too. The bear didn’t seem to mind, and the visitor said, “Apparently, the grizzly knew the high cost of getting even.” That’s something a lot of us don’t’ really understand. There is a high cost that comes with revenge. One author said it like this: “The problem with revenge is that it never gets what it wants; it never evens the score. The chain reaction set off by every act of revenge always takes an unhindered course.” “It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain...and the escalator never stops, never lets anyone off.” That’s what happens if we let vengeance get the best of us. Yet I believe that the temptation to get even is life’s most subtle temptation. And all of us battle it. All of us can think of people who have wronged us. So when we come to the story of David, it shouldn’t surprise us that he dealt with this same temptation...the temptation to get even. This morning we want to examine two insights that will help us overcome life’s most subtle temptation--the desire to get even. If you have a copy of the Scriptures, why don’t you turn to I Samuel 24? Now the trap of revenge is as old as the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous of his brother and wanted to get even...so he killed him. And life’s most subtle temptation has been a trap for every single man or woman, boy or girl since then. Eg: Did you ever watch children arguing with each other? The desire to get even is at the core of most arguments that kids have. “Why did you take that?” “Because it’s mine!” “No it’s not, [whack], it’s mine.” “It is not, it’s mine! [whack]” And some of us never grow out of that pattern.... So with that in mind, first of all I want you to see...
1. THE PROBLEM OF REVENGE
The Bible says it best. “Resentment kills a fool” (Job 5:2). The problem is that our desire to get even shows up in all areas of life. It might be aroused by an employer who treats us unfairly...or a teacher who won’t listen...or a coach who puts us on the bench...or a friend who turns into an enemy...or a spouse who walks out...or a parent who abuses us. The problem with revenge is that we often...
A. CALL IT BY A DIFFERENT NAME. Sometimes we refer to revenge as... “My Rights.” We think, “Nobody is going to walk over me. I’m not a doormat. I’m not going to lie down and just take this.” Sometimes that’s the way we look at the subject of revenge. And sometimes we call it... “Justified Retaliation.” We think, “What I have done is right...what he has done is wrong...and I’m going to get even.” Well God calls it something else. He calls it vengeance. And we get some insight into...
B. WHY WE ARE TEMPTED TO GET REVENGE
Now as we come to this section of Scripture, understand that David had been chosen by God as the new king of Israel. King Saul had disobeyed the clear instructions of the Lord, so his days were numbered as the king. David’s popularity was growing, so Saul was doing everything possible to wipe David off the earth. He was out for blood! In fact that Scripture tells us that Saul sought to kill David every day. The first thing that leads to revenge is...
Injury. The fact of the matter is that David was a fugitive running for his life. With about 600 of his loyal men, he fled to the desert south of Jerusalem. Verse 29 in the previous chapter tells us that David and his men lived in an oasis in the desert called En Gedi. Well Saul found out that David was near En Gedi, so verse 2 tells us that he “took 3000 chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men....” Now En Gedi hasn’t changed much since the days of David. It’s an oasis in the middle of a wilderness with waterfalls and lush vegetation and countless caves where David could hide. Apparently David and his men took refuge in these caves of En Gedi. The caves pockmarked the cliffs and were ideal places to camouflage their presence. Even though Saul wanted to kill him, David was protected in this unique place. With that setting in mind you’ll notice that the story tells about a...
Moment of Vulnerability. The Bible is a real book, and this story is living proof. In his rush to capture David, the Scripture tells us that Saul apparently had to answer the call of nature. Read verse 3: “He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.” Apparently Saul tramps right into the mouth of the cave where David and his men had been hiding. Talk about being vulnerable. It was bad enough for the king to be seen at that moment, but to be in the very presence of the enemy! If you ever want to test your own character, ask yourself what you would do when your enemy is vulnerable. David’s men recognized that King Saul was a sitting duck. They said to David: “This is the day the Lord spoke of when He said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” They were saying, “Here is your opportunity, David. Here is God’s way of providing you a chance to become the king. Go get ‘em. This is it!” And that led to...
A Moment of Depravity. The Scripture says: “David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” For just a moment, David capitulated. Can’t you see him? Saul is there on his haunches looking out of the cave, and David sneaks up right behind him and--snip--ever so silently cuts off a piece of his robe! You see, that’s the way we rationalize the temptation to get even. “Who cares if you take a little bit from the company, they’ve got so much? They won’t miss these stamps or a few pieces of stationery.” Let me tell you now, there is no such thing as a small step on the path to revenge. Even a small step is the wrong step. And David surrendered in his own moment of depravity to the temptation to get revenge. So when we feel the urge to get even...When we feel the temptation to strike back at somebody who has hurt us, what should we do? What’s the...
2. THE PRESCRIPTION FOR REVENGE
There are 4 things that will help you overcome the temptation to get even...
A. REALIZE THAT MISTREATMENT IS INEVITABLE.
Jesus said it like this: “In this world you will have tribulation.” It’s going to happen! After all, the book of Romans describes people around us in this world like this: “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” If we live in a world like that, you can be sure mistreatment is going to happen. That doesn’t make it right. That doesn’t make it easy. But it will happen. Just expect it. Life isn’t fair.
B. RECOGNIZE FEELINGS OF REVENGE for what they are. As soon as David cut off the piece of Saul’s robe...his conscience bothered him. He could have killed Saul, but he didn’t. All he did was cut off a part of the king’s robe. So what was the big deal? Who would notice? Here’s the point...There’s no such thing as a small step on the road to temptation or the path to revenge. Even a small step in that direction is a wrong step! You see, when you know God, you’ll be bothered by things like this. David said to himself, “That wasn’t right. I shouldn’t have done that. Saul is the king.” If you and I are going to deal with life’s most subtle temptation--we need to recognize feelings of revenge for what they are.
C. REFUSE TO RETALIATE. That is why David came out on top. His men said to him, “You’ve got Saul right where you want him, David.” And he almost did. But when he came near the king, instead of plunging his knife into Saul’s back, David refused to retaliate. Think about that for a minutes. Are you resentful because of the way someone has treated you? Are you holding a grudge against that person, hoping quietly to retaliate? You need to ask God to free you from that bondage. Do you know why? It’s only hurting you. Many years ago, two comedians Abbot and Costello, Costello wore a bottle around his neck. Abbot asked him, “What’s in the bottle?!” “Nitroglycerine.” Abbot was stunned that Costello would be wearing a necklace of nitro, so he asked for an explanation. Andy told him about a guy who had a bad habit of poking people in the chest when he was speaking. “This guy drives me crazy. I’m wearing this nitro so the next time he pokes me, he’ll blow off his finger.” That’s the way it is with revenge. When I choose to harbour resentment and try to get even, it only hurts me. And I am here to tell you, it’s THE MOST subtle temptation in life. I know from experience. Now I don’t know what it is for you. You might be tempted to get even with an employer who promised you something that didn’t come through. You might be tempted to get even with a spouse who walked out in a moment of crisis. You might be tempted to get even with your mum or dad or a friend. The Scripture simply says: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” How often should I get revenge? God says, “Never. That’s my job.” Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Now we’re not talking about our national defense here. We’re not talking about defending our shores when the enemy comes. We’re talking about a personal harm that is done to us that we didn’t like. Refuse to fan the flame of resentment. “Never repay evil for evil.” Realize that mistreatment is inevitable. Recognize feelings of revenge. Refuse to retaliate. And...
D. REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS. Do you know what Jesus did when He was mistreated? Do you know what He did when He was falsely accused? Do you know what He did when He was put to death? He refused to retaliate. Look at these words from 1 Peter 2: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” (I Peter 2:23) SO, WHAT TO DO? So what should you do when others attack and slander you? Can you trust God or is it required that you take things into your own hands? Years ago the great Missionary/statesman Oswald J. Smith had this slogan, “No defence. No attack.” It means that whenever another person attacks your character and conduct, don’t defend yourself. Commit it all to God. Conversely whenever another Christian was seen to be in the wrong, don’t attack them. Make no personal remark but allow God Himself to deal with the situation. Oh how different that is from our day, where we see Christians rushing into print to attack one another. They seem to delight in repeating slander and gossip; two things which God calls an abomination. (Proverbs 6:19) This is not the way of Christ. This is not the way of love.
Charles Spurgeon was the most eminent and successful preacher of his time, yet he suffered great persecution and criticism from other churchmen. Maybe they were jealous of his success. Be that as it may, his response was to tell of a Scottish castle, which has these words carved in the beam over the entrance gate. “They say. What do they say? Let them say it.” Some people will always find fault with what you do, no matter how and why you do it. Ignore them and carry on. Remember you serve the Lord Christ alone. Besides, just who are ‘they?’
3. THE PERVASIVENESS OF REVENGE. David wasn’t finished with the problem of revenge. It took a little incident with an arrogant man to stir his own heart to hatred and revenge. 1 Samuel 25 tells the story of Nabal, a foolish kind of fellow. A man in Maon had a business in Carmel; he was a very rich man with 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats and was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 The man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name, Abigail. The woman was intelligent and beautiful, but the man, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.
Every one knew about Nabal. Including David. However it was a feast day. David’s men had helped Nabal make a packet of money. So david’s request was more than fair: “Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’ ”
But Nabal treated them rudely: Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is Jesse’s son? Many slaves these days are running away from their masters. … David got pretty mad!
21 David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good. 22 May God punish me, and even more if I let any of his men survive until morning.”
But before David can get there, all shook up! Abigail Nabals wife turns up.She cools David down over compensates for Nabal’s foolishness, and encourages David to wait for God’s timing.
28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you. 29 “When someone pursues you and attempts to take your life, my lord’s life will be tucked safely in the place where the Lord your God protects the living. However, He will fling away your enemies’ lives like [stones]from a sling. 30 When the Lord does for my lord all the good He promised and appoints you ruler over Israel, 31 there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. And when the Lord does good things for my lord, may you remember [me]your servant.”
Do you see the final principle here?
REALIZE THAT MISTREATMENT IS INEVITABLE.
RECOGNIZE FEELINGS OF REVENGE for what they are.
REFUSE TO RETALIATE.
REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
1 Peter 2: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” (I Peter 2:23)
RELEASE THE PROBLEM TO THE LORD.
37 In the morning when Nabal sobered up, his wife told him about these events. Then he had a seizure and became paralyzed. 38 About 10 days later, the Lord struck Nabal dead. 39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the Lord who championed my cause against Nabal’s insults and restrained His servant from doing evil. The Lord brought Nabal’s evil deeds back on his own head.”
The Lord dealt with the problem in ways that only the Lord could know to do.
We cannot change people’s minds about the injury they want to do to us. But we can commit ourselves to Him who Judges justly. My purposes for me aren’t worth anything. But God’s purposes will stand. And they are the only ones that matter.
Sometimes the temptation to avenge a wrong is the very thing that the Lord is teaching us. He may be teaching you to lay aside your rights, and accept His Lordship over your conditions.
Sometimes I am tempted to lay awake at night nursing a grudge. The more you nurse a grudge the more its likely to eat you up. Somebody wisely said, that Its not what you eat that is the problem, but what’s eating you.
You need to release this problem to the Lord! Psalm 37
1 Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. 2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.4 Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, 6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. 7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans. 8 Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. 9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for him, he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity. 12 The wicked schemes against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him. 13 The Lord laughs at himbecause He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow to bring down the afflicted and needy and to slaughter those whose way is upright. 15 Their swords will enter their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Do you realize that the God of Heaven has been mistreated by every one of us in this room. We have caused the death of the Son of God by our own sinfulness. And the Father in Heaven chose for the Son to die in our place so that we could experience His forgiveness. He set the pace for us. My friend, it is no wonder that Jesus said: “Love your enemies!” He has already done that. All of us who were separated from God because of our own willfulness have experienced the incredible love and grace of God. He refused to condemn us all to eternity apart from Him the moment we sinned one time. We are alive today because Jesus didn’t retaliate. And He offers every one of us the opportunity to respond to His love and grace right now. You can do that in your heart of hearts if you will come to Him just as you are. Would you seek His forgiveness? Would you ask Him to take the resentment that you feel toward someone this morning? Would you ask Him to take control of your life and be the One who is in charge. You will never regret forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve it.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 10:40 PM 
