Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Saul and David

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Saul came from a privileged background. If his life could be summed up in a word, one might choose the word “entitled.” This mindset would drive his heart away from God and would become his downfall. David, on the other hand, came from a very unassuming background. If his life could be summed up in a word, “responsible” comes to mind. While David committed sins of his own, he also took responsibility and discipline for his actions. This stands as an example to the people. An entitled man does not do this. Throughout his life, David demonstrated a pursuit of God’s heart, acting as lead-worshipper in the kingdom.

David’s commendation as a leader is seen in his accomplishing everything God wanted of the nation of Israel since the Exodus, including the conquest of the land, to establish a nation who observes God’s commands (2 Samuel 7:8-11). In this sense, David meets the criteria for being the “man after God’s heart” (1 Sam 13:14), who “shares God’s heart for leading the people to obey the covenant will view the kingship as a steward of the Lord’s people who are his inheritance (9:16; 10:1) (Howell 2003, 73).

Though David’s experience with Saul was a threat to his existence, David could watch and learn from this troubled man. Both were called but Saul was prideful which stood as a reminder for David to remain humble. Saul was impatient, disobedient while David fell back into this desire for pleasing the LORD. God said that He would build David a house (2 Samuel 7:11) and David confesses his position before God as His servant (2 Samuel 7:19-21). Saul would not do this.

Clearly, God used David despite his failures but this was due to David’s pliable heart. Saul was clearly removed by the LORD due to his high-handed and prideful sin (2 Samuel 7:15).

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