2 Samuel 1:17
“David’s Song of Mourning for Saul and Jonathan.”
This verse is difficult to comprehend. Saul was an enemy of David. His enemies were often referred to in the Psalms. I assumed David was speaking of Saul when referencing enemies. Yet here David is mourning him. While Saul was an enemy, this response reminds me of what Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you", (Matthew 5:43,44).
How do we love our enemies? It doesn't mean we have loving feelings, but to act in love towards them. Loving feelings may follow, but rarely begin that way. Jesus also said, "If you love Me you will keep my commandments", (John 14:15). This verse helped me years ago. I would see those in worship looking in love with God. I was grateful, but didn't feel like they looked. I could begin in obedience. God saw this as love.
Jesus clarified the Old Testament as He said, "You have heard to 'hate your enemies". Not quite. Love them. Hollywood relishes vengeance. It's crazy, because they are justifying their own punishment. God's way is the way of grace and mercy. The poor carpenter from Nazareth corrected the powerful. Thank You God for coming to earth the way You did. "A bruised reed You will not break", (Isaiah).
Jesus, Your ways right the world. Even though the heathens rage, You love. You aren't alarmed with their tantrums. Help us to do the same. You put those ways in David. He even spoke of vengeance. When it came to his biggest enemy, he showed grace.
Thank You for David. A manly man who loved You and Your ways. Many misfits followed him. "And all who were distressed or indebted or discontent rallied around him and became their leader. About 400 men were with him", (2 Samuel 22:2). Thank You for drawing us. We may have not been the popular kids, but You loved and called us. You give us significance. You give us a place. You honor us (Psalm 23).
David was sincere in his devotion to Saul. He didn't support him verbally and belittle him in side conversations. I think he was honest in the Psalms, but he never mentioned Saul. This was quite a balance. It's so easy to let bitterness spill out. Not with David. You had taught him to be honorable.
David rose above Saul on many occasions. Saul's downfall was fear of the people. Samuel caught him on two different occasions fearing man over God. This caused him to lose his calling. When a group of David's men wouldn't share the spoils he called them out publicaly. He went so far as to make it a law to share.
We may not feel forgiving, but we are to act in grace and forgiveness. We are to resist the temptation to gossip. Opportunities will arise to let it seep out. To do so will only create more bitterness and that of greater intensity. David didn't do that.
Jesus is the greatest model of not being duplicitous. He had a problem with the pharisees. He spoke of them as putting great burdens on people and making sons of hell more evil than themselves. Yet, we see him being merciful to Nicodemus. He was genuine and good. On the cross both thieves were rude to him. A little later one repented and Jesus was so merciful and comforting. Even though He was nearing the end of the great punishment, He still had enough love and compassion to offer love.
Lord, thank You for David. What a great example he was. Help us to do the same.