"Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions. 2 Samuel 1v23
Every so often we see things about David that remind us of the fact that he really is a man after God’s own heart.
Think about Saul and Jonathan. One was his greatest enemy and the other was his greatest friend. One loved him deeply and the other wanted him dead. One would do anything for him and the other would do anything to him.
Still at their death, David is able to praise them both. They were beloved and pleasant in their lives. They could not be divided in death. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.
Some might say that David dishonoured his friend by classing him with his enemy Saul. In reality David was able to look past Saul’s attitude to him. He saw Saul as God’s chosen leader. Despite Saul’s personal animosity toward David, David saw him as beloved and pleasant, swift and strong. In David’s eyes they were both national heroes.
As Father’s Day approaches Sunday we see another key lesson here. Saul and Jonathan, father and son, David’s enemy and David’s friend, were not separated in death. They were still father and son. That relationship could not be affected even with their differences. Even when Saul tried to kill his best friend Jonathan would not forsake his father.
I love this picture of father and son. Most of my sons have grown into adulthood. We do not always agree. We take different paths and make different choices. By the grace of God may it be said at the end of our days that even death could not separate us.
2 comments:
I really like that, although I grew up in the Word and in church and was blessed by a Godfearing family, that I learn new things through your devotional. Sometimes it's really hard to give your authorities this kind of respect, especial the ones of Saul's nature towards David!
Thanks again for your kind words. I grew up in a circle of Christians that only barely accepted leadership of secular authorities. This time through God's word has taught me a lot about God's view on authority.
Your words are a blessing.
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