Values held in the kingdom of Misfits

| Sermon Summary by Pray Eucha |

David's values exhibited during the exile and nomadic life can be seen as a parallel narrative to Christ's values preached and practiced through his life. This helps us to see

1. David, commander of misfits

   David, pursued by King Saul who saw him as a threat, spent years hiding. During this time, people who were distressed or marginalized joined him, making David the leader of a group of “misfits.” Even in hardship, David remained devoted to God, as seen in his prayers in the Psalms.

2. Jesus Welcomes Misfits Similarly

   Jesus surrounded Himself with those society rejected—tax collectors, sinners, and others. He invited all kinds of people into His kingdom (Luke 14:21-23). Though He was the promised King and Messiah (Matthew 9:27; 16:15-16; Isaiah 45:23), Jesus lived without a permanent home (Luke 9:58), was targeted for death (John 7:1; Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6), and was executed as a criminal (Mark 15:28). Still, He remained obedient to God’s will (Philippians 2:8).

3. Why Didn’t David Take the Easy Way? (1 Samuel 24)

   The story raises questions: Why didn’t David kill Saul when he had the chance, even though it was common to do so to become king? Why didn’t he take a shortcut to fulfill God’s promise, especially when his own life was at risk?

   
   

4. Trusting in God

   David refused to take matters into his own hands, choosing not to kill Saul even though it would have made him king sooner (1 Samuel 24:4-6). He cared more about doing things God’s way than achieving his goals quickly. Jesus also refused to take shortcuts, turning down Satan’s offer of power (Matthew 4:8-9) and choosing to do God’s will even when it meant suffering (Matthew 26:39). Like the three men in Daniel 3:16-18, David and Jesus trusted God’s plan over immediate results.

   
   

5. Speaking Truth with Love

   David confronted Saul honestly, without flattery, and proved his innocence (1 Samuel 24:9-11, 14). Even Saul recognized David’s integrity (1 Samuel 24:16-20). Jesus also spoke the truth boldly—He didn’t seek to please people (John 2:24-25), exposed hypocrisy (Matthew 23:25-28), corrected misunderstandings (Mark 8:32-33), and rebuked pride (Matthew 23:5), but always showed compassion.

   
   

6. Repaying Evil with Good

   David spared Saul’s life, trusting God to judge (1 Samuel 24:10, 12), and was known as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). In the same way, God offers us grace we don’t deserve (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus, who is greater than David, intercedes for those who wrong Him (Hebrews 7:25) and is the beloved Son (Matthew 3:17).

   
   

7. The Real Test of Values (Luke 14:21-23)

   The presentation challenges us: Will we hold to our values even when it’s hard or costly? Jesus calls us, the “misfits,” to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him—not for comfort, but to become like Him (Luke 14:21-23).

   
   

8. Living Out Kingdom Values

   True gain comes from letting go of self-interest and embracing Christ’s way. When we return good for evil and forgive, we reflect God’s heart and bring Him glory. Our purpose is not just personal well-being, but to become more like Christ and point others to God.