See What a Morning

The story of the death of Saul and Jonathan is truly one where the depth of David’s love for his best friend and of the one who relentlessly pursued him to kill him and yet was God’s anointed, causes me to pause and ponder.

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son. 2 Samuel 1:17  ESV

What would I have done?

Would I have killed Saul as he was dying anyway? Would I have thanked the man for bringing me Saul’s crown and putting Saul out of his misery on the battlefield? Would I have written a song of glory for the one who tried to kill me at every opportunity?

What a lesson David gives me as a follower of Jesus. He was true to God deep down in his soul. This was not at act or a posture that he showed on the outside for everyone to see. This was the real David – one who gloried in God and one who honoured Him above all else. It was this stance that allowed him to love Saul, his enemy.

I can easily think of the times I was posturing at work with a boss who became my enemy. While I masked humility, I joyed in his failures. How shallow I was, how unreal for me a disciple of Jesus. I did not treat him as God’s anointed, the one placed in leadership above me.

Father, forgive me for being so shallow. I may be something special because You have gifted me and called me and purposed me, but that does not mean I am more special than others. I pray that I will know my place – to find my glory and honour only in You and to ensure that my life gives you complete glory and honour too. Thank You for Your love even when I have failed to walk as You. Thank You for revealing David’s strength that was found in his soul. May I walk like him with You.