Then Saul said, “Listen, son of Ahitub!” “I’m at your service, my lord,” he said. Saul asked him, “Why did you and Jesse’s son conspire against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him, so he could rise up against me and wait in ambush, as is the case today.” 1 Samuel 22:12-13 HCSB
Have you ever been sent to the principal’s office? It is not fun. I was in the 8th grade and talking in class when I was supposed to be listening to the teacher. She sent me to the principal’s office. It was back in the days when a principal could actually discipline a child for wrong-doing. The principal gave me a spanking with a paddle. One strike and out the door I went. It hurt my pride more than physically hurting. I hated getting in trouble and knew that I would be in more trouble when I got home. We would probably have less problems in our schools today if students respected those in authority and if parents would support disciplinary measures when needed.
The priest Ahimelech was in trouble with Saul because he had helped David by giving him some food and a sword. Ahimelech and his whole family were summoned by King Saul. Ahimelech had done nothing wrong; he helped David but was certainly not trying to betray Saul. Saul accused him of siding with David in conspiring against him. Ahimelech did not deny helping David but defended David as being a loyal servant of Saul.
Challenge: Ahimelech faced opposition simply for doing what was right – helping David. As a believer there will be times when you will face opposition and be challenged because you do what is right. Sometimes adversity is a result of our own sin, but not in all instances. Trust God in the face of opposition and criticism.