1 Samuel 26:1-25
Friday, 20 November 2020
“Now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles.” -1 Samuel 26:24 [NLT]
Life is precious and to be valued by every individual! But we live in a world today where human life is given least value by people and the many outrageous acts committed by humans to themselves and to others is evidence of the lack of the preciousness of life God has given. David’s example of how he treated Saul who was trying to hunt down his life, is exemplary— he would dare not touch Saul’s life even when it was in his power to kill him. He understood that Saul was God’s anointed; though Saul had gone astray from God’s purposes and was in hot pursuit to kill him, David would not do him any harm. What a testimony!
David’s prayer is that God would guard his life and deliver him from all his troubles as he had valued even his enemy’s life. Why place so much value on human life- you ask? Here are some reasons you need to consider:
Remember each human is made in the image of God So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Gen.1:27). When we honour an individual we honour God who made him in His image. When we despise someone, it is dishonouring God.
Remember we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator The Psalmist says “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13). How can we play with life that was put in an individual by the Creator? Even the best and latest studies have not been able to unravel the mystery of life!—much of the ingenious mechanisms that God has instilled in our body is still a mystery to man! If the life you carry in your being is given to you by God, what right do you have to take it?
Remember God places value on each individual The God who created each of us places a high value on our lives! God cares for all of His creation and how much more for the crown of His creation- man! Jesus said, “…you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt.10:31). He cares for us and does not want the cares of this world to engulf and snuff out our lives early. HE is all-sufficient!
Remember God valued man such that He sent His Son to die for his sin Man would have forever been alienated from God because of his sin, had not He sent His only Son to pay the penalty of sin- death. Jesus took each of our death sentences – and in dying in our place brought a new and living way back to God! “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Remember God wants us to help save those who are doomed to die 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God does not want anyone to perish but to turn from their sin and repent. Proverbs 24:11 (CEV) says: “Don’t fail to rescue those who are doomed to die.” We have a responsibility to rescue those who are stumbling towards their eternal death and total separation from God by getting across to them the good news that Jesus can save them!
Have you considered neither your life nor the lives of others of worth? Let your perception change! See the preciousness of life with the value God places on it! Consider life in Christ!
“Rescue the perishing/Care for the dying/Jesus is merciful/Jesus will save” ~ Hymn
Listen: ‘Rescue the perishing’
Comments