“You are to follow no man further than he follows Christ.”

John Collins

Psalm 7 – Friend or Foe? Does it matter?

Enemies, we all have them. They might be found at the workplace, in a boss whose attitude has mysteriously gone sour. They might be found in our own families when intentions are misunderstood or words are hastily spoken. They might even be in our churches. In any case and no matter where the place, God has instructed us in the manner in which we are to respond.

The fruit of David’s prayer (Psalm 7) contains a gospel core. He is beset by foes and seeks the counsel of God by first examining his own heart. David prays, “O Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands – If I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe – then… make me sleep in the dust.” (v. 3-5) David knows that the justice of God is not like the world’s idea of justice. Divine justice is meted out by God and it is his to possess and distribute. The loathing world says, ‘Destroy your enemies.’ But the Living Word says, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt 5:44)

This radical idea of love for our enemies demonstrates to the world our gospel temperament. As William Secker writes, “To do evil for good, is human corruption; to do good for good, is civil retribution; but to do good for evil, is Christian perfection.” (Treasury of David, p. 73) We are on the fast track to Christian maturity when we begin to return good for evil. The apostle Paul recognized this truth and wrote to the Romans, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” (12:17) And in the same vein, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (12:21) David also practiced this ‘love your enemies’ principle.

David had the opportunity to strike his enemy, Saul. Saul and his army had just been pursuing the Philistines but now they had turned their attention to David. Although he could have easily killed Saul in the cave of En Gedi (1 Sam 24) he chose not to. Saul, after learning of David’s merciful treatment of him, confessed, “You are more righteous than I. You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.” (v. 17) Today may all your enemies make the same confession!

Unto Him be glory,
Pastor Dale