PRAY
FOR ENEMIES
Fifth
of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series
Psalm
109:4, Luke 23:34
Psalm
109:4: “In return for my friendship,
they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
Luke
23:34: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they’re
doing.’ And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.”
David wrote Psalm 109. He lived in fear for his life when King Saul (and
company) began pursuing him (1 Samuel 18-23).
Saul was jealous of David because Israel adored him. Check out the lesson linked below to see
David’s attitude change from mere complaining to vengeance against Saul.
David begins Psalm 109 by telling
God how badly men were treating him. Then,
David lists specific punishments that he’d like to see happen to those hate-filled
men. David wanted them to suffer.
David’s reaction is typical human
nature. Everyone can relate to wanting
to get even with people who attack with evil intentions.
But Jesus is different. Jesus understands human frustration. And as God, Jesus shows us how to deal with human
strife. Jesus actually prayed to the
Father to not hold His tormentors’ deeds against them! (Luke 23:24).
Both David and Jesus experienced being hotly pursued with intent to
kill.
1 Samuel 23:7-29 shows what got into
King Saul. But David spared Saul’s life
in 1 Samuel 24. David dared not kill the
Lord’s anointed king! That’s where we
see why God called David, “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). David is the Old Testament forerunner
(picture of Messiah), and ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Pray for your enemies!!! Only Jesus would command something that
radical.
Ten year olds Cassie and Missy swung
on seats next to one another at recess from fifth grade. “What did Scotty say about you?” Cassie asked.
Missy replied, “He called me fat!”
“But I thought he liked you!” Cassie
said. “Why would he talk that way?”
“I don’t know,” Missy admitted. “But I’m not going to be his friend anymore!”
Does this sound familiar?
Take Home Nugget
Jesus
always blew people’s minds! He teaches
us correct behavior—that is contrary to human nature. He says in Matthew 5:44, 45 and 46, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” … “If you love
those who love you, what reward will you get?”
We’re
children of the King. God’s Spirit is
transforming believers into Christ-likeness day by day. Will we actually pray for enemies? Jesus commands us, “Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).
Christ is the perfect model of
perfection.
May your will be bent toward Christ for Lent.
May your will be bent toward Christ for Lent.
J.D. Griffith
A
personal, private lesson experience with our staff
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