Achish replied to David, "I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, 'He shall not go up with us to the battle.' Now then rise early in the morning, you and the servants of your lord who came with you, and go to the place that I appointed for you. As for the evil report, do not take it to heart, for you have done well before me. Start early in the morning and leave as soon have light." I Samuel 29: 9-10 NRSV
Ever have anyone write "an evil report" about you? Has anyone ever verbally blamed you for something you had not done?
How did that feel?
Even when we don't have physical evidence that we are being made a scapegoat, the feelings of betrayal do not go away easily nor quickly.
The most interesting thing here is that David is living among his enemies and the enemies of the people of Israel. He has been playing a most deceptive game. He goes out with his own followers and attacks those who are enemies of Israel yet he tells the King of the Philistines that he has attacked Israelites. David leaves no person alive so that no one can tell what he has actually done. He therefore receives favor from King Achish while destroying Israel's enemies.
The evil report was probably closer to the truth than King Achish realized.
We don't want those evil reports or blaming to be true - we would deny it all if asked directly. But we must be aware of when there are parts of the reports or the spirit of the blame may fall on our own actions or inactions. Ouch.
God, we want to be seen as blameless in the eyes of others. But more important we need to be blameless in your eyes. Help us to recognize our own responsibility and to see the truth as you see it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
No comments:
Post a Comment