David Mourns Saul

Read 2 Samuel 1-5, 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
 
2 Samuel 1:11-12 David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. 12 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.
 
SAUL persecuted and hunted David for years. Saul threw spears at David. Saul kept Jonathan, David’s best friend, from David. Saul used his troops and his resources to hunt David. David lived with the hated Philistines for 16 months to avoid Saul. And yet, David and his men mourned Saul’s death.
   To mourn is to know and express a deep grief over loss. To mourn is to regret. We know about mourning the loss of a loved one or good friend. But do you mourn those who oppose God – even your enemies – in the hope they will come to faith? Does regret touch your mind when you think of those who die without the Lord? Perhaps this is why David and his men grieved. Although their physical enemy was dead, they may have mourned for Saul’s lost calling to serve and glorify God. They regretted being his enemies and the losing their opportunity to serve the king. David and his men mourned a wasted life.
   Of the many lessons from  1 Samuel, we might see the first lesson is this: Dedicate your life to serving the Lord’s desires. We have seen barren Hannah declare in 1 Samuel 1:18 “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Samuel was born to say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:16) David repeatedly said “your servant” to Saul in respect to Saul’s God-appointed kingship. Abigail also spoke, “your servant” multiple times as she turned David’s rage to peace. Serving in God’s purpose is the most effective way to influence people to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
   Saul, in contrast, did not once express such humility and gratitude toward God. He failed to thank Samuel, who was God’s appointed agent to anoint and guide him. Saul only vainly used the LORD’s name to affirm his own decisions. To lead for God requires a servant attitude toward God and his people.
   Saul was to lead Israel, so it would glorify God. Instead, Saul missed his purpose. His family and his army died with him as Israel suffered the shame of defeat.
   Indeed, we should mourn such lives lost to God’s call. Let us examine our own lives to inquire of God, “How can your servant help someone know Jesus?” Let’s ask God how we can encourage others in their calling.