”Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.“ II Samuel 1:11-12 NKJV
a. David took hold of his own clothes and tore them: When David heard of Saul’s death, he mourned. We might have expected celebration at the death of this great enemy and rival, but David mourned.
i. Out of pure jealousy, hatred, spite, and ungodliness, Saul took away David’s family, home, career, security, and the best years of David’s life – and Saul was utterly unrepentant to the end. Yet David mourned and wept and fasted when he learned of Saul’s death.
ii. This contrast powerfully demonstrates that our hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness are chosen, not imposed on us. As much as Saul did against David, David chose to become better instead of bitter.
b. And so did all the men who were with him: These men had their own reasons to hate Saul, but they followed the example of their leader, David, and answered Saul’s hatred and venom with love.
c. For Saul and for Jonathan… for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel: David’s sorrow was first for Saul, but it was also for his great and close friend Jonathan. More than that, it was for the people of God as a whole, who were in a dangerous and desperate place in light of the death of the king and the defeat by the Philistines.
i. David heard this life-changing news – the throne of Israel was now vacant, and it seemed that the royal anointing he received some 20 years before might now be fulfilled with the crown set on his head. Nevertheless, David expressed little thought of himself. “His generous soul, oblivious to itself, poured out a flood of the noblest tears man ever shed for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they were fallen by the sword.” (Meyer)
(Guzik)
Better Instead of Bitter
Jesus showed us through example with His life and teachings how to be better instead of bitter.
”Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.“
Luke 23:34 NKJV
”looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;“
Hebrews 12:15 NKJV
When you are wronged, pray to keep any root of bitterness from taking root, don’t water it, or it will grow, take root and defile you, causing trouble!
“Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
Be better instead of bitter!
Dear Heavenly Father, reveal any bitterness we harbor that is taking root in our hearts and remind us to forgive like You forgave us through your Son Jesus. Thank You for showing us David’s example of being better instead of bitter. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.
Blessings
No comments:
Post a Comment