We do not always have a great respect for authority but God desires for us to respect people, especially those in a position of authority. God has placed them in the position of authority for a reason. I know I am not going to question His judgment. He has a great plan.
When we look at David and Saul, we see this cat and mouse chase that goes on for years. Time and time again, Saul is trying to kill David. He became obsessed with hunting David down and killing him. This obsession consumed him. But David did not let it turn him away from God.
David had chances to kill Saul. Twice Saul was right within reach but David refused to take his life. He would not kill God’s anointed. Instead he cut Saul’s robe and took the things that were beside his head. David even “fell to his knees and bowed in reverence” before Saul, though Saul was certainly not acting like a man deserving of respect. David showed respect anyway. There are moments when we don’t think someone should be in an authority position, when we do not consider the person deserving, but we must remember this person is in the position for a reason and be respectful despite our personal preference.
“Then David stood at the mouth of the cave and called to Saul, ‘My master! My king!’ Saul looked back. David fell to his knees and bowed in reverence. He called out, ‘Why do you listen to those who say ‘David is out to get you’? This very day with your very own eyes you have seen that just now in the cave GOD put you in my hands. My men wanted me to kill you, but I wouldn’t do it. I told them that I won’t lift a finger against my master—he’s GOD’s anointed. Oh, my father, look at this, look at this piece that I cut from your robe. I could have cut you—killed you!—but I didn’t. Look at the evidence! I’m not against you. I’m no rebel. I haven’t sinned against you, and yet you’re hunting me down to kill me. Let’s decide which of us is in the right. GOD may avenge me, but it is in his hands, not mine. An old proverb says, ‘Evil deeds come from evil people.’ So be assured that my hand won’t touch you.’”
-1 Samuel 24:8-13 [MSG]
Tania Gutekunst 