The Cyber Vitamin June 26, 2006

The Cyber Vitamin
June 26, 2006

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1; 17-27

The Story:

You can read this gracious lament David writes about the Saul and Jonathan and rightfully see his graciousness. Remember Saul was the man who had been trying to kill David.

But there is more than personal graciousness here. The violent death of a king is a national tragedy. So David took the occasion not to gloat but to remind the people of the greatness of the their king who had fallen..

Remember what had happened. After David had defeated Goliath, he became the hero of the land, became part of the palace entourage, became friends with Jonathan, and married Saul’s daughter.

In time jealously gets the better of Saul and seeing David as a threat, he attempts to kill him. A bounty is put on David’s head and he becomes an outlaw living with his men in the wilderness for ten years.

With this lament, David puts the national interest, and for the Israelites, God’s interests, ahead of his own interest, and eulogize the good that came through Saul and Jonathan.

Reflection:

How do you respond when you gain “victory” over an adversary? Do you gloat and bask in a glow of self-righteousness?

Do you see how sometimes your fiercest adversaries are also vehicles that God uses for your greatest growth? Do you realize that God calls to love everyone, even your enemy, but doesn’t ask you to like them? Do you accept the difference here?

Are you aware of the impact of your presence on others? Are you seen as an adversary by many? Why would this be so?

Prayer:
Lord, through this poignant lament David shows that You work through all people, even our adversaries to help bring about Your glory and the building of Your kingdom. Help us to emulate David and look for the good things You are accomplishing in everyone's life we meet--even those challenging adversaries who have made our lives very difficult. We pray for such receptiveness to your Spirit in all things and all people. Amen.