An Important Note To Students And Teachers
The authors of books in scripture refer to King David as "the man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7; Acts 13:22). Christians regard that statement as being among the highest compliments God gives a human being. It is the declaration that David was concerned about God's core issues and true nature.
David was not concerned about giving the physical appearance of surrendering to God. To David, obedience to God was not just about the appropriate words and appropriate acts. To David, it certainly was not about "going through the motions."
To David, surrender to God was about honoring God because (1) of His greatness and (2) His worthiness. To David, God deserved to be honored at all times in all ways. To David, God knew what He was doing even when David did not. The reason David refused to kill King Saul when he had opportunity was "he is the Lord's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:11). Was King Saul making David's life miserable? Yes! Was King Saul a threat to people David loved? Yes! Would King Saul kill David when given opportunity? Yes! Had David already been anointed to be a future King of Israel? Yes!
Was any or all of that justification for David killing King Saul? No! Why? King Saul was anointed by God through Samuel to be King of Israel! Translation: God knows what He is doing! See David's statement in 1 Samuel 26:6-12 and note verse 10. David said God will determine when and how King Saul dies. Saul's death was not David's business! It was God's business, and only God's business!
David teaches the Christian of today a much needed lesson. Especially among 2nd and 3rd generation Christians (though this attitude can be found in any Christian), the conviction sprang to life that only the "ideal" Christian can be the person closest to God's heart. The concept of "ideal" often involves "correctness" (that is commonly a loyalty to local preferences and traditions) in perceived "technicalities."
David certainly did not fit that concept of the "ideal" person who followed God. As examples, consider the manner that he took the Ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:12-19 [there were no guidelines for this event!] and David's adultery with Bathsheba that also resulted in his murder of Uriah [her husband] (2 Samuel 11).
David was the man after God's own heart (1) because he never, never questioned God's position over him, (2) because he was willing to accept responsibility for his mistakes, and (3) because he always was willing and ready to repent.
David was not perfect! He made huge mistakes. However, David always wanted the great and worthy God to be in control of his life. For David, life without God's presence and leadership was unthinkable! He humbly sought forgiveness, not arrogantly declared personal greatness. Read Psalms 51.
As a Christian, realize (1) we all depend on God's mercy and forgiveness and (2) always be
ready to repent when you fail. It is the penitent person who is totally dependent on God's
mercy and forgives who is the man or woman after God's own heart.
