Identifying with the Bad Guys

As I read through Scripture, I often identify with, or at least feel sorry for the "wrong" person - the person or nation that God is angry with.
Here are some examples from just  1 and 2 Samuel

1. King Saul (1 Samuel 16 :14) The people wanted a king, but Saul surely did not want to be the one to be king. He was insecure and on his coronation day, he hid! Nevertheless, it was God's choice that Saul be king over Israel and so he was. Well, Saul made a couple of not perfect decisions. He kind of did what God told him to do, but not completely, and he tried to inquire of the Lord and honour Him, but not the right way. Here's the kicker though, not only did Saul have the Spirit of the Lord removed from him, he also had a distressing spirit put on him by the Lord.  I think it is hard enough to do what is right with the power of the Holy Spirit helping us, but to have that removed and an evil spirit nagging at you, would be pure torture. And it was.  I feel for Saul - especially seeing as David made multiple horrible choices and was considered a man after God's own heart!
2. Michal (2 Samuel 6:20) Michal was Saul's daughter and given to David in marriage. However, she was then sent to another man for a few years to be his wife while David was running for his life from King Saul. Finally, David became king and got Michal back, but it wasn't all roses for sure. King David was so excited that he was bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem that he joined the common folk dancing. twirling, spinning all while wearing a linen ephod rather than his Kingly garments. Let's just say Michal was not impressed at David's lack of decorum and dignity. She was ashamed. As an introvert, I can honestly say I may have reacted in a similar way. "Stop making yourself the centre of attention! You can be joyful, but don't go all extreme! And for goodness sake, put your robe back on!" Michal however, was punished by God. She could never have kids. 
3. Hanun (2 Samuel 10) This is kind of an obscure guy. Hamun was the son of the King of the Ammonites. David was King of Israel at the time and Hamun's dad (the king) died. Well, King David thought he would like to show some kindness and send some comforters to Hamun to show his support. Unfortunately, Hamun's counselors convinced Hamun that David actually was using this as an excuse and these "comforters" were actually spies. Hamun chose to believe his advisors, and sent the comforters packing in humiliation.  Anger aroused, war began and by the end of it, 40,700 men were killed. Wow. Now, that's a misunderstanding. All because David wanted to do an act of random kindness. I got thinking about this though, and I started to feel for Hamun. After all, David had started wars, plundered, enslaved, deceived, and killed nations upon nations over the last while. Why would poor Hamun think David all of a sudden wanted to be "nice." David had a reputation so this misunderstanding was not surprising. Unfortunately, again, it was Hamun who paid the price.

So, what did I learn from all of this other than the fact that I am not a very good judge of character!

1. God's ways are higher than our ways.He is God after all..
2. God does not treat everyone the same. Then again, I don't even treat my two daughters the same; they are different people. As my younger would say, suck it up buttercup.
3. I do not see the underlying heart of man, but God does. He sees the heart of everyone. No hiding.
4. Even though I can feel for people, and understand why they may have chosen what they did, they are still in the wrong. All sin is repulsive to God. No excuse makes it OK.
5. Reputation matters.
6. It's just best to do what God says the first time.
7. It is easy to identify with some of these not so perfect humans recorded in history because we all get it. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  
8. Wow, I am grateful for Jesus!

If you have some thoughts on the matter,  please leave a comment. I'd love to hear your ideas.