While David was on the run from Saul and his army David made sure to inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:1-6) and follow the Lord’s ways (21). David did not harm Saul even when he could have killed him twice. (1 Samuel 24 & 26) The temptation was great for his men said, “This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'” But David kept the laws of God. He spared Saul’s life.
While hiding in barren places, David and those who followed him were often in need of food and shelter. Even then David was blameless before the Lord. He kept from sin. He stopped from killing Nabal who disrespected David. Instead of robbing Nabal, David protected him and his flock. Nabal repaid this with disgrace and humiliation. He did not pay David for this kindness. Even then David kept the laws of God. He did not shed blood to avenge himself. (1 Samuel 25)
God tests the heart of all. (Deuteronomy 8:2; 1 Chronicles 29:17; 2 Chronicles 32:31; Jeremiah 11:20) He refines the soul. (Jeremiah 9:1; Zechariah 13:9) Just as gold, silver, and iron are refined by fire, so God allows trouble, temptation, and distress to occur in my life so that I may be a better person and improve my character. Just as many reheats purify metals even more. So I find that the same hard life circumstances are repeated in my life.
Jesus also repeated verbal and life event teachings with his disciples. I should not be surprised that I am in a fire purification yet again. Speaking of Jesus’ first coming the prophet Malachi wrote, “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:2-3)
Why again? This is why. When I keep his way while being heated eventually “The LORD will reward me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” (24)
