1 Samuel 24-25: Keep to the High Road

David knew something that Saul would have been wise to learn.  You can't fight fire with fire.  When people try to kill you, you can't do the same to them.  When people take what is not theirs, you can't steal back from them to even the scales.  When people toss angry words your way, you can't toss them back. 

The realization hit David that he had the same propensity to take matters into his own hands when he discovered he was not as ready to forgive Nabal as he had been with Saul.  David loved Saul, Nabal not so much. When Abigail came bearing gifts and provisions to his men that Nabal had refused to give, David saw how close he had come to taking vengeance into his own hands. David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.”  1 Sam. 25:32-34 NIV

It was never God's intent for us to take matters into our own hands, no matter how great or small the issue.  When we do so, we're limiting God's power to control the forces that would overtake us. 

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:19 KJV

We should always take the high road although that is seldom our inclination. 

2010 Post - 1 Samuel 24-25:  Vengeance is the Lord's