Political turmoils and tensions always boil into open war, bloodshed, suppression, and national instability. A recent case in point is the oppressive apartheid regime of South Africa that treated all opposition with iron fists comparable to that of communist USSR under Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. During apartheid, one young man singled himself out for his patience, fortitude, and dislike for violence against the oppressors.
Nelson Mandela became a world icon for his patience, calm reasoning, magnanimity, and fortitude for 27 years and beyond. Such patience is rare indeed. David was the last boy in the large family of Jesse, where he was relegated to care for sheep in the wilderness alone. Unbeknownst to him and his older brethren, this seeming neglect and “disrespectful job” prepared him for greatness!!
David never complained about his lot in the family or his care for the sheep alone amidst dangerous animals, but made the best out of it and patiently mastered his musical talents and drew closer to the Maker of nature. Although neglected and hated by his brethren, he was chosen by God for leadership. He ended up in the courts of Saul, where he showed himself as a faithful general, defeating Goliath and the Philistines.
Like his brothers, Saul also became jealous of him and endeavoured to kill him at all costs. Although anointed king by Samuel, David never fought for it or carried himself as such. He humbly served Saul and later run away to live in the desert as a fugitive. Even when he had the chance to kill Saul, he spared his life and killed he who falsely claimed to be the killer of Saul. Oh, how he wailed and mourned for Saul and Jonathan. He even killed the murderers of Saul’s son who succeeded Saul and wept bitterly for Abner, the general of Israel.
The selfless and caring traits of David, even for his enemies, and his unassuming nature, even when anointed King, is remarkable. Such patience and dependence🫂 on God’s own time is unmatched in our era, where people are willing to shed blood just for power, money, or other selfish ends. To be thus patient and calm in the midst of affliction, waiting on God’s own time is truly a rare virtue lacking among the youth of today. Many a life, crime, divorce, depression, etc. would have been spared had patience been exercised.
Oh God, grant us faith to be patient for your own time, lest we rush into sin. May this coming Sabbath remove envy, pride, and impetuous faithlessness from our hearts and replace them with that of David.
