HONORING THE GREATS
“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.” 2 Samuel 1:11-12 NKJV
If you have read through first and second samuel, you probably know how sour the relationship of David and Saul had turned due to Saul’s jealousy.
What started of as pure admiration, turned into bitter resentment because David had been chosen after his faithfulness to replace Saul. In our theme scripture however, the Bible records yet another account of David still honoring Saul even in his death, referring to him as the Lord’s anointed and avenging his death in the same breath.
The natural carnal nature would justify David if he had chosen hatred over love and honor, yet his heart that is after God restrained him because love by nature— restrains (2 Corinthians 5:14).
This invites us into reflection, do we only honor people whom we have something to expect from? Just because we have to? Or out of obedience to God and understanding of covenants? The latter is what set David apart.
His behavior while Saul was still crowned king, even as he knew in his heart he was chosen king was ground for character refinement and true test of the heart. The same is true of us, child of God. David’s posture teaches us that how others treat us does not nullify our covenant with Him, to be as Christ is on God.
Let therefore no provocation of any kind, move you to loose your positioning. Hallelujah!
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this word. I thank you for the opportunities for refinement that present themselves daily, that I may be a ready bride on the day of Christ. I thank you that all trials produce character, and in obedience to you there is no shame. May it be said of me that I gave honor where honor was due, and gracefully loved on my brethren to the glory of your name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 12:17
• Proverbs 24:17
• Matthew 5:44
