To Do or Not to Do

I Samuel 24

Sermon by Pastor Benjamin Chen

Pastor Benjamin Chen shared with the 1.5 Generation Congregation at EFCI on the topic of “To do or not to do” from I Samuel 24. Pastor Benjamin reminded us that we need to have patience, and stay faithful to God’s promise in the valley of our life. 

Background

David continue to flee from Saul. In first Samuel 24, He reached En-gedi, an oasis next to dead sea. Where he had an opportunity to kill Saul to end all the problems, but he did not do it. 

Patience vs. Ahead of God's Timing

Faith and patience must go together. When we lose faith, we are running ahead of God's timing. When David had the chance to kill Saul, he refused. Even though it seems like the perfect opportunity that God has provided, David did not rush to the conclusion.  We need to understand God’s plan by building a relationship with God – we need to do it through prayer. When making major decisions, it is best to have direct revelations (through Bible passage & Holy Spirit), and an indirect revelation(confirmation) from others. Major decisions are often life changing events, it is important for us to have patient with God, and not get ahead of his timing. 

Faith vs. Take Matters into One's Own Hands

David refused to fulfill God’s promise by his own way, even that David has every right to kill Saul and solve all the problems. He was loyal to Saul, but Saul turn on him simply because of jealously. But the injustice that David faced only strengthened his faith in God. In the wilderness, David lets God’s love and protection to fill his heat, instead of hatred and revenge. In our season of wilderness. We need to be encouraged and stay faithful to God’s promises. Taking matters into our own hands often are futile attempts that only result in more problems.

Righteousness vs. Take the Easy Way Out

Pastor Ben further emphasized that David did not lay his hand on Saul because it is not righteous to do so. In verse 6 David explains that it not righteous simply because “[Saul] is the anointed of the Lord.” In our everyday life, we can find a easy way to end the problem. We can give up, cheat, lie or even to blame others. Doing the right thing can be hard. It means that we need to take the consequence, or to spent more time solving the problem. But remember that Christian were never promised an easy life, we are asked to do the right thing. 

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