Topic: No Room for Enmity [Monday March 2, 2015]
Text: 2 Samuel 1:17-27
Key Verse: “And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son” (2 Samuel 1:17).
King David had his own shortcomings as a man. But none of them was ingratitude or disloyalty to friends. None still was a tendency to hate his enemy, as would the carnal man. Today’s reading reveals this beloved monarch of ancient Israel at his best, displaying in balanced measure, loyalty to his slain friend Jonathan and honour to the fallen King Saul who even sought to kill him for no just reason.
The contextual presentation of today’s meditation has David mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan. Learning of the tragedy that had befallen Israel, David promptly executed an Amalekite who claimed responsibility for Saul’s death in expectation of a reward for killing David’s enemy. As it turned out, it was bad news for David that Saul who hated him and wanted to kill him was dead. It was not only the death of Jonathan, his great and tenderhearted friend which hurt him, that of Saul also did.
David launches into a memorable dirge that describes Saul and Jonathan as “the beauty of Israel” (verse 19) and “weapons of war” (verse 27), who “were swifter than eagles, (and) stronger than the lions” (verse 23). Verse 24 is a solemn exhortation: “Ye daughters of Israel weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.”
All these for an enemy? Yes, that is what our Lord commands: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44,45). Do you want to be counted among the children of the Almighty in heaven? Then, heed the word of Jesus by loving your enemy as David did. Only a soul that has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour can do so, however.
Bible in One Year: 2 Corinthians 5-9
Thought for The Day: A virtuous soul is at peace with all men, foes and friends alike.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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