In response to God’s mercy and following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, there are two applications from 1 Samuel 24. The first is to affirm that we must not let circumstances take the place of revelation.
For example: Suppose you get a job offer to move with your family to another town. More money, reduced hours, it seems a win win situation. Then, when you start looking to see if there are any true churches in the area, you can’t find any. Do you move and pretend as if you honour the LORD when you read the Bible and pray alone in your home? Do you make a plan to travel far on the Lord’s Day and to attend worship? Do you decide to forego the opportunity? Circumstance says it’s the LORD’s will for you to take the job and go. Revelation suggests caution. Gathering with God’s people is a Christian duty1, a duty you will neglect if move.
Or in the context of relationships. You meet someone that you really click with. Similar interests, it’s easy to talk, you like spending time together. It seems natural and obvious that you should start dating with the prospect of marriage not too far away. Only problem is that your friend is not a believer, and the LORD has said we should not be yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). What will you do? Will you justify the relationship. Surely the LORD wouldn’t have let you meet this person if it wasn’t his will for me to proceed.
Perhaps he wants to use me in their conversion and a relationship will serve that end.
Circumstances seem so appealing...
A final example. Maybe there is a chance to get back at someone. At the office, at school, you’ve been bullied and treated badly. Then you are put in a position where you get to have a say in that person’s future. Maybe you’re called as a witness to something they did or didn’t do, or you must provide a reference about their skills and abilities. The temptation is there to get revenge, the circumstances are favourable. But it will mean telling a lie, or hiding the truth...
It’s very tempting to let circumstances take the place of revelation. It’s the way in which Saul thought when he heard that David was stuck in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:7). It’s the way in which David’s men sought to encourage him (1 Samuel 24:4). It’s the way of our sinful natures. But it is not the way of Christ and therefore it must not be the way in which we live as those who follow him.
1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.”