Let's Celebrate Easter...
by Doing the Impossible!
Jesus presented forty-nine commands during His earthly ministry and commissioned His disciples to teach them to all nations. (See Matthew 28:20.) These commands can be related to each of seven stresses that Jesus identified in the Sermon on the Mount: anger, guilt, lust, bitterness, greed, fear, and envy. When Christ's commands are applied, they can resolve the corresponding stress.
Seven commands that relate to the stress of anger are to repent, rejoice, go to offenders, love your enemies, give perfect greetings, honor parents, and go the second mile. David had many reasons to be angry at Saul for trying to kill him, and Saul was angry at David because of his popularity. But when David carried out the essence of these seven commands, the impossible took place!
1. Repent (See Matthew 4:17.)
We all sinned "in Adam" when Adam put his own intellect above God’s Word so he could decide for himself what he thought was right or wrong. Repentance involves turning from this prideful attitude and placing our intellect under the authority of God's Word.
When David learned that the Philistines were attacking the city of Keilah, he did not depend upon his own reasoning. He “inquired of the Lord . . . . And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.” This was irrational to David’s men, so “David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah . . .” (I Samuel 23:2–4).
2. Rejoice (See Matthew 5:12.)
We are to rejoice in all situations, especially when others speak evil of us and say all manner of lies against us falsely for Christ's sake. “Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad,” because God is going to do the impossible through you and you will have great reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12).
When Saul heard that David was in Keilah, “Saul called all the people together” to kill David and his men. But David again inquired of the Lord and was told to flee. And “God delivered him not into [Saul’s] hand” (I Samuel 23:8, 14). This was cause for David to rejoice.
3. Go to Offenders (See Matthew 18:15.)
It is only as we go directly to our offenders that we can find out the reasons for their offense and make an appeal for reconciliation.
God arranged for David to have an unexpected “face to face” meeting with Saul when Saul came into the cave in which David and his men were hiding. While Saul slept, David’s men urged him to kill Saul, but David reminded them that Saul was anointed by the Lord, and he would not lift up a hand against him. David later spoke directly with Saul when he left the cave.
4. Love Your Enemies (See Matthew 5:44.)
When we go to our offenders, they must see that we have a genuine love for them. We are not coming to them to accuse them or retaliate against them but to demonstrate our love for them.
An important aspect of loving our enemies is protecting them. This is what David did to Saul in the cave.
5. Give a "Perfect" Greeting (See Matthew 5:47–48.)
A "perfect" greeting is giving the same warm greeting to a stranger that we would give to our best friend. This means showing value and worth to every person whom we meet, including our enemies.
David embraced Saul "in the arms of his heart" when he called to Saul outside the cave and began his appeal by saying, “My lord the king” (I Samuel 24:8).
6. Honor Your Father and Your Mother (See Matthew 15:4.)
Much anger stems from a wrong relationship with our parents. God promises that if we honor them even when they are hard to get along with, things will go well with us. (See Ephesians 6:2–3.)
Saul was David’s father-in-law. David honored him when David “stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself ” (I Samuel 24:8). After David’s appeal, the impossible took place: Saul repented of his wrong and blessed David: “Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil . . . . I know well that thou shalt surely be king” (I Samuel 24:16–17, 20).
7. Go the Second Mile (See Matthew 5:38–42.)
Going the second mile is possible only after we joyfully complete the first mile.
After David spared Saul’s life and received a blessing from Saul, he went the second mile and promised that he would not destroy Saul’s descendants when he became the king. Now read I Samuel 23–24 for further rich treasures!
On this Easter, let’s purpose to apply all of Christ’s commands so that we can experience the resurrection power of Christ and do the impossible! I hope to see you at the Regional Conferences!
Love in Christ,
Bill Gothard
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