Not Mad Just Even!

1 Sam. 24

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Here you can buy from their store, read from their stories of successful revenge and get even with those who have wronged you. The site puts as their purpose/mission statement: “Revenge Unlimited believes that there are people in desperate need of a good dose of humility and we exist to help you make sure they get it!”

One woman shopped nearly every day, asking for just a few items each time. After a month, she said to me, "I suppose you wonder why I’m here so often. You see, I live with my nephew. I can’t stand him, and I am not going to die and leave him with a refrigerator full of food."

A college professor answered his telephone at 3:00 A.M. "This is your neighbor, Mr. Smith," said the voice. "Your dog is barking and keeping me awake." The professor thanked him kindly and hung up. The next morning Mr. Smith’s telephone rang at exactly 3 A.M. "This is the professor," said the caller. "I just wanted you to know that I don’t have a dog!"

Revenge: It may be one of life’s most subtle temptations. All of us probably at one time or another have wanted to get even for being mistreated.

·       Maybe it was because an employer promised you something and never came through.

·       Maybe a mate walked out on you when you needed him or her the most.

·       Maybe it was a parent who failed you or

·       Someone in the Church who hurt you or has not appreciated your efforts.

And now you are waiting for the chance to get even or you’re seething inside because you are holding a grudge. I suspect that there are several right now that are struggling with revenge.

Most of our culture today doesn’t recognize it as revenge. It is called "my rights." We’ve got a moral obligation to rectify this situation and it is the American way- "I don’t get mad - I just get even." But whatever we call it, God calls it revenge.

1 Sam. 24:1-3 - Recap

Opportunity Abounds – Vs. 4

David’s men encourage him to take advantage of this rare opportunity.  He can end it all right now with one swift blow.

There are several things we can learn about the temptation of taking revenge from this passage:

·       It feels right to take revenge when you feel outnumbered.

David at this point was outnumbered 3000 to 600.  Revenge has the illusion of being able to even the score. 

·       Revenge is nothing more than a glorified shortcut to something you desire.  What are some the reasons people use to rationalize trying to exact revenge on others? 

The one man now standing between him and the throne would be out of the way

No longer would he be a lowly hunted and persecuted fugitive, but he would be greatly elevated in position.   

Saul was a lousy king who really didn’t care about anyone other than himself.

The respect and honor David deserved would greatly increase.

Now let’s take these statements and insert them into our own lives.

·       Revenge will often misinterpret situations and opportunities

This must be God’s timing.  Look God has placed this opportunity in your life for you to take advantage of it.  Only one problem – God never said any of what they quoted.  God gets blamed for a lot of stuff!

To correctly interpret circumstances, we need an accurate and intelligent knowledge and understanding of the Word of God, a submissive attitude towards the will of God, a priority that favors spiritual needs over fleshly desires, and a desire to live a holy life.

·       Revenge can be difficult to resist due to peer pressure.

So David sneeks up behind Saul and cuts off a piece of his robe.  Even though he resisted the temptation to sever Saul’s head – he still could not resist this small taste of revenge.

·       Revenge rarely tastes as good as we think it will.

David’s Conscience makes him feel wounded for his action.  We’ve often heard that revenge is sweet, but the reality is that revenge leaves a bitter taste in our mouth.

It leads to feelings of regret.

Have you ever struck out at someone who you feel disrespected you, or mistreated you and then after you had your moment, you felt the sting of conviction in your heart?

I have.  I struck out at someone – it wasn’t my finest moment.  Oh it felt good for about 10 seconds, and then the pain of conviction set in!

How many of us would say, "What did he do that was so wrong? After all he could of killed him. So he showed some disrespect. Is that so bad in light of what Saul would of done to him? I mean, it was just a little bit of his robe, he could of done a whole lot worse."

And that’s the way we rationalize, isn’t it?

And David got back with his men and they started giving "high fives" to each other and began to quietly celebrate but David was sullen. And all of a sudden he whispers, "Wait a minute! I was wrong to show such disrespect to the Lord’s appointed leader."

For to cut off a piece from the royal robe was an act of utter contempt for the one who wore it. This was an expression of the utmost disdain and disrespect... though he had not murdered the tyrant in cold blood, he had in fact shown that he had murdered him in his heart."

David’s conduct was based on principle not on passion or prosperity or popularity.

So what are we supposed to do to those who mistreat us or take advantage of us?  How are we supposed to deal with those type of people if revenge is not an option?

·       We should show respect to the position the person holds

I can’t respect the person – then respect the position of the person. And David was saying, "No matter how awful Saul has been, I shouldn’t of been disrespectful to the Lord’s King."

·       Consider whether they have received misinformation about you. (24:9-10)

Is it possible that people who mistreat us, think that we’re out to get them?  Do they feel threatened by us in some way?

·       Refuse to lower yourself to their level (24: 11,12)

David decided that playing the revenge game placed him on the same level as Saul. 

Think about what the revenge game had done for Saul?  (It consumed him)

You see, we need to admit that when we get even we really don’t win. Getting even isn’t ever even. We really only hurt ourselves. It festers within & poisons our spirits when we hold grudges or take revenge. We become no better than those who hurt us.

Rick Warren said, “If you don’t release those who hurt you, you will begin to resemble them."

·       Consider why they are mistreating you (24:20)

The secret of handling mistreatment, is keeping your eye on the goal. Our goal should be the same as David’s and that is first of all, to please God. In order to do that it may mean swallowing our pride or putting up with unjust treatment. So David leaves the revenge business in God’s hands which is a great place to leave it. Apostle Paul exhorted us to do likewise when he said, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

Introduction

Sermon text with italics and bold and John 3:16 and v. 20.

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