Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Power of Mercy Read 1 Samuel 24:1-22 May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 1 Samuel 24:12 On December 27 1983, the late Pope John Paul II actually went to a prison cell in Rome to meet and forgive the Turkish terrorist who had tried to assassinate him two years earlier. This act of mercy did not go unnoticed. When the Pope died, almost four million people flooded into Rome for his funeral. And these included people of all races and religions. Today we read of another man who had mercy on the person who was trying to kill him. After fighting the Philistines, Saul returned to his favourite obsession of attempting to capture David (vs 1-2). But it was Saul who became the captive when he entered the cave sheltering David and his men (v 3). Did God lead him into that particular cave so that David could kill him? David’s men thought so. Just one thrust of the knife down Saul’s back and they could be home, free. But David thought otherwise (vs 5-7). He felt guilty even for cutting off the corner of Saul’s robe. If David’s men had not realised that David wasn’t a vengeful man, they did so when they witnessed him addressing Saul with that piece of robe in hand (vs 8-15). David was merciful and forgiving. He chose to let God judge and deal with his enemies than do so himself. David’s mercy had a more powerful effect on Saul than any weapon of war could have had. Heartbroken and contrite, Saul returned home (vs 16-21). David was merciful but not stupid. He knew it was unsafe, still, to trust Saul and he returned to his stronghold (v 22). Memorise the following verse and recall it whenever you have been wronged: And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 1 Samuel 24:12