Character that counts

| Sermon Summary by Robbins Jesuraj |

Billy Graham once mentioned, “True greatness is not measured by the headlines a person commands or the wealth he or she accumulates. The inner character of a person—the undergirding moral and spiritual values and commitments—is the true measure of lasting greatness.” True to this, David, as he stood between his anointing by Samuel and ascension to kingship, exemplified a great sense of character which stands out even today.

As the story unfolds in I Samuel 26, David had compelling reasons and an excellent opportunity to take vengeance on Saul, as he walked into his camp along with Abishai. He not only shunned the opportunity, but also stopped Abishai short of killing Saul (I Samuel 26:10-11). His argument was that the Lord will take care of Saul’s end. Paul also exhorts in Romans 12:17-21 to not to repay evil for evil, but overcome evil with good. David precisely did this and was cautious to avoid revenge at the moment when it’s so easy and reasonable to do it.

However, David would not allow Saul to overstep on him at every chase. This time, he carefully planned a confrontation. He probably slipped into Saul’s camp for this very purpose, since he had already resolved not to kill the Lord’s anointed. In his confrontation, David was cautious not to shame Saul, but reason out logically on the futility of pursuing him. While he expressed his distress openly, he moved towards a conclusion (I Samuel 26:18-24). He did all of this by keeping himself safely at a distance from Saul in a hill. David models for us on how we can confront evil on its face constructively, which is the current need in our families, workplaces and even churches. In fact, confronting is an act of love as Jesus did it with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21). David was courageous to confront.

Finally, it must be said that David had a tremendous faith on God who would be His ultimate rewarder (I Samuel 26:23). God who delivered him from the paw of the lion and bear and from the sword of Goliath will see him through in this long wait in the wilderness and will also see Saul through in his wickedness. His unshakable faith in God, as expressed in Psalms such as Psalm 23 and 63, kept him going. Thus, David was always confident of God’s reward.

May God help us and strengthen us to emulate such remarkable character traits even in our own daily lives!