David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan. 2 Samuel 1:17
David was so moved he wrote a song to commemorate the death of God’s chosen and his best friend.
He blessed the men of Jabesh Gilead who had taken care of Saul and Jonathan’s bodies.
David even took time to mourn his enemies if they died unjustly as Abner did at the hands of Joab.
David made sure that people knew where he stood and what he stood for. And the really, truly, incredible thing was that he was sincere. It was not for show. To the best of his ability he genuinely desired God’s will above his own.
David even avenged the death of Ish-bosheth, the king set up to oppose him in Israel. The men who thought they were doing David a favor were killed and hung on display to show what happens to those who murder innocent people.
Next week, Lord willing, we will talk about David actually taking the throne and what we should do when we receive the sovereignty that God has promised us, but for now, it is enough that we remember those who gave their lives in battle to save the world from tyranny. Remember those who have gone on before and enjoy the fruit of their labor and sacrifice. There may be a time coming soon when some of us may be called on to make a sacrifice of our own.
Pastor Brent