Saul was a man hell-bent on getting what he wanted and pursuing any means to achieve it. David was the man who gave up family, country, and even his rightful place on the throne of Israel and went to live among his enemies while Saul violently sought his life.
When Saul sought God’s direction in his war with the Philistines, the heavens were silent. He could not get an answer though he tried every conceivable approach. This drove him to the witch of Endor. A person driven by self interest doesn’t really want God’s guidance they want only to hear what they want to hear.
David, God’s chosen leader, who had humbled himself before Saul, and truly was a “man after God’s own heart” had occasion to also seek God’s guidance. His family and the families of his men were taken captive at Ziklag. The text says that his men considered stoning David because of their grief. But David accepted responsibility and acted. He began taking action in verse 8 of Chapter 30 of 1st Samuel. He began by seeking guidance from God: “And David inquired of the Lord, Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them? God answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”
For those who truly have an open heart for God’s will, God will never leave torn and tossed in confusion. For those who refuse to take vengeance into their own hands, God will always act for them. On the other hand, those seeking personal advantage and looking to hear only what they want to hear will never hear clearly from God. Like David, we must learn to have a heart after God’s own heart.
Everyone wants God to be on their side. God wants everyone to be on His side.
Chuck
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:26-27