David lamented

Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher: "The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 2 Samuel 1v17-19

David lamented when his enemy was dead. This, in modern terminology, ‘blows my mind.’ You would think, at least, that he would be quietly relieved at Saul’s death. Of course, he could not publicly rejoice. He had to play the political game. He still had Saul’s men to deal with. But you would think when their backs were turned, there would be a quiet little fist pump and an exultant ‘YES!’

But David lamented with a marvellous lamentation. Just before this a man had come to him telling him that he had killed Saul. He surely expected a reward. Saul had committed suicide, but that was no reason to miss a chance at a reward from the new king!

He received his just reward – ‘Who are you to touch God’s anointed?’ and then he was killed for his treason.

I hear a lot of harsh criticism about leaders. I heard one crackpot preacher, claiming to be a Baptist, tell the news that he was praying that President Obama would die a painful death then burn in hell. Amazing stuff, huh?

While most would not got that far I am pretty sure that there are those who claim to be God’s children who would not lament should their national leaders die unexpectedly.

I know it is getting old, but I think that we need to rethink our attitude to our leaders, even when our leaders make themselves our enemy.