The first reading emphasizes what the Psalm repeats, “The LORD will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.” David could easily have killed Saul but was mindful of what God had in mind, not what others in the earthly realm had in mind. David will ultimately be rewarded with the kingship, not because he had killed Saul, but because he had listened to God and remained faithful. Short-term killing Saul may have seemed to be an easy answer, but David knew that to do so would be a violation of his trust in God.
Following up on this Paul emphasizes the difference between the “natural” and the “spiritual”. David was clearly following not the natural way battles are fought but was more concerned about the spiritual battle that was being fought.
These two then lead us into the Gospel where Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This is clearly the way David saw his position in dealing with Saul. If we trust in God, God will take care of things . . . in his own time and in his own way. Our task is to remain faithful and trust in God. The ending of the periscope is important: “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Who wants God to be stingy when it comes to being blessed?
Countenance of God 