Gospel Reflections #996: Even if it is only a temporary change of direction

1 Samuel 24:16 ‘When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is that your voice, my son David?” And Saul wept aloud.’

This passage depicts Saul’s dramatic reaction immediately after David revealed that he had spared his life, rather than taking revenge on King Saul, who had been seeking to kill him.

This passage captures the moment when the roles of the pursuer (Saul) and the pursued (David) were reversed, and Saul’s heart was momentarily and deeply shaken.

Saul, who until then had called David ‘the son of Jesse’ and hated him as an enemy, returned to addressing him with affection as ‘my son David’.

It is evident that he was compelled to acknowledge David’s sincerity and innocence.

Furthermore, Saul was overwhelmed by David’s righteousness, who had responded to his malice with kindness (by sparing his life).

These tears were a mixture of momentary reflection on his own mistakes and awe of David, whom God had chosen.

Furthermore, although David had the opportunity to kill Saul standing before him, he prioritised his faith in God, believing that ‘one must not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed’.

This passage depicts the moment when that faith reached Saul’s conscience, demonstrating the power of entrusting matters to God (leaving judgement to Him) rather than seeking human vengeance. 

We too should aspire to interact with others in a way that, like the ‘Sun’ in the fable of ‘The North Wind and the Sun’, encourages them to change their own direction, rather than forcing them like the ‘North Wind’.

Even if it is only a temporary change of direction, just as God does not give up, we too hope to continue engaging with them through intercessory prayer, without giving up.

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.