Talk About A Different Perspective!

Now the Philistines attacked Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them. Many were slaughtered on the slopes of Mount Gilboa. The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely. [1 Samuel 31.1-3] 

And, just like that, Saul met his demise. Why, why, why? Why did this happen?

So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. [1 Chronicles 10.13-14]

It is all too easy to read about Saul's tragic end and feel some sense of justice (like the feeling when watching a movie and the bad guy gets caught or dies). I admit, I have had this very feeling about Saul. If anyone should have felt this way, it would have been David. However, we see something different in David.

David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the LORD’s army and the nation of Israel, because they had died by the sword that day. [2 Samuel 1.11-12]

The way David responded to Saul's death greatly distinguished David in his priorities and values. David was not concerned with his own kingdom, but instead he was concerned with the Kingdom of God. That day, the Kingdom of God and His Chosen People Israel had suffered a great loss and David responded accordingly.

The lesson here is for us to review and understand how we look at life and our circumstances. Is my only concern what happens to me, or am I concerned for my people or the Kingdom of God? Am I genuinely broken over the loss of unfaithful people or am I relieved and even delighted? Do I share God's love for the world and therefore grieve when I learn of any person's misfortune?

There is much to be learned from David's response to Saul's death. It truly is a matter of perspective.

Father, help me to have Your eyes for the world in which I live. May my responses reflect Your attitude about the suffering that goes on around me (regardless how well-deserved it may be). May I be found merciful in my heart. So be it.