SUNDAY August 25, 2019
The Sin of Hypocrisy
So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.”
1 Samuel 24:16-19
Watch this! Saul acted like a total hypocrite in front of David and his men. Though Saul acted hypocritical, he did voice accurate statements. David had rewarded Saul good for evil––true. However, Saul really put on quite a show––loudly lamenting––for his son David. Saul wept, but this was not true repentance. Within Saul’s heart, he was very much the same rebellious man––sad. David could not trust him. Why? The minute he turned his back––Saul would stab him!
Joab was a person who also held hatred within his heart. He wanted revenge because Abner had killed his brother Asahel at Gibeon in battle. Abner did not want to kill Asahel, but Joab’s brother would not turn back from his pursuit of him (2 Samuel 3:12-21). Much later, not knowing murder was in the heart of Joab, Abner spoke privately with him at Hebron by the city gates. All seemed well, yet Joab struck Abner with a dagger and killed him (2 Samuel 3:22-30).
It is important for Christians to be able to discern the character of people around them. There are people who sit and smile at you, but inside they hate you! People can cry on your shoulder while having a dagger––“words and actions”––to stab you in the back. I can discern those like Judas or Saul who have tried to approach me. I have been in this world a long time and have gained experience. I see them coming a mile away. God reveals them to me.
A man may have the tongue of an angel and the heart of a devil.
~John Flavel~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!