Gospel Reflections #977: Not to People but only to God

 Samuel 22:14 “Ahimelech replied to the king, ‘Is there anyone among your servants as faithful as David? Is he not your son-in-law, the commander of your bodyguard, and a man of honour in your household?’”

This is a crucial scene in which Ahimelech, the priest who had been confronted by King Saul for aiding David, defends David’s loyalty and asserts his own innocence.

Ahimelech argued to Saul, from three points, just how trustworthy David was:

① A loyal servant: He stated plainly that among all of Saul’s servants, there was no one as loyal as David.

② The King’s Son-in-Law: He pointed out that David was part of the royal family, emphasising the legitimacy of his position.

③ The Captain of the Guard: He argued that David was held in high esteem as a close aide to the king and was a respected figure within the palace.

Ahimelech claimed that he had no idea David was on the run from Saul. 

When David came alone, Ahimelech, finding it suspicious, questioned him, but David lied, saying, ‘I have come on a secret mission from the king.’

Therefore, Ahimelech explained that he had merely sought the Lord’s counsel ‘as usual’ and given him bread and a sword, and that he had not the slightest intention of rebelling against Saul.

Although this defence was valid, it fell on deaf ears with Saul, who was consumed by jealousy and suspicion.

Similarly, when we present the facts to someone ruled by their emotions, it may be entirely pointless.

On the contrary, it might well be like adding fuel to the fire.

It often seems that attempting to resolve issues through justice or facts is counterproductive when dealing with people whose relationships and emotions are in control.

That said, if we simply do as the other person wishes, it may provoke yet other emotions.

More important than what happens to us is the resolve to be honest and sincere before God, and to do nothing that would damage our relationship with Him.

Our reward lies not in this world, but in the Kingdom of God.

God knows every thought in our hearts.

He knows every reason why we tell lies.

It is only to God, and not to other people, that we can pour out our true thoughts, cries, groans and words of weakness.

And God accepts us, heals us and pours out His love upon us.

This is how God manages our emotions.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.