Living in the Spirit
June 26, 2018

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.

 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan

 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
   who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
   who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
How the mighty have fallen
   in the midst of the battle!

 Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
   your love to me was wonderful,
   passing the love of women.

 How the mighty have fallen,
   and the weapons of war perished! –2 Samuel 1:1, 17, 24-27

How do we recover when we discover we have chosen a wrong path or followed a wrong leader? What do we do when we suddenly realize the things we valued were nothing but noisy gongs or clanging cymbals* designed to distract us from the way of love? What happens when we get caught up in the greed and lust for power of others thinking they are right for us too? Do we attempt to fall on a sword and ask our enemy to finish the process or do we turn to God who is Mercy and love, seek forgiveness, and reframe our lives?

What do we do when we win the war if not the battle putting our rivals to shame? The Amalekites did David’s dirty work in unseating Saul from the throne. David did reap full revenge for the death of Jonathan and for Saul before the war was over. He could have gloated or become overbearing in pride Instead he mourned the deaths of both Saul and Jonathan. Are the verses above David’s thoughts as he heard of the death of his best friend who did not have to die on that battlefield. Jonathan was there because he loved his father even though he knew his father was wrong.  Do we seek God’s wisdom in healing wounds that divide us and strive for oneness in future ventures of love and peace?

Prayer: God of Mercy and Justice, forgive us when we give up and when pride might overcome us. Help us keep our focus on our mission of building a world ruled by love. Amen.

*Derived from 1 Corinthians 13:1

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.