Choosing Your Master
Today’s reading: I Samuel 22-24; Luke 16:1-18
6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. I Samuel 24:6-7a
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Luke 16:13
It is the single-minded person, one who knows whom he serves, who will be clear-sighted enough to make wise split second decisions in a crisis.
David was such a man. He knew what he believed and he held to it when he had to make the choice between a popular, logical option and a wise, godly one.
He and his men had been fleeing from Saul for some time. There were close calls when they barely escaped capture and sure death. They must have been weary of this kind of constant pressure. It was not fun.
Then, all of a sudden, their enemy was in their hands. He was helpless before them. David’s men urged him to finish him off and end the madness. David did not flinch. He knew immediately what to do and not do. He spared the king’s life but took the opportunity to prove to Saul that he was not against him. His men must have been incredulous. Saul showed temporary remorse for his treatment of David, but the pursuit would go on.
David did not serve two masters. He knew God well and served Him completely. He would be king, but in God’s time. He would not compromise his principles of trusting God to work in His way and on His schedule. Thus, when the opportunity came to kill the king, David knew instantly the right course to take.
Jesus taught that one must be clear about whom he serves. No one can truly serve two masters. There will come a day when loyalty will be tested. Which master will you serve? Only One is worthy of our complete devotion and He is the Triune God revealed in Bible. Any other master is a rival, a counterfeit god.
Prepare yourself for the test that will come. Who’s your master?
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