2 Samuel 1:23
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, And in their deaths they were not separated; They were swifter than eagles,”
This is a great memorial of Saul and Jonathon. It says they were highly thought of. That's a great description. It's not easy to gain the favor of others. They were delightful, people enjoyed them. This means they were fun to be with or something enjoyable about their person.
They were together. Death is a scary thing; to be with a loved one is comforting. There are stories of old couples that die close to one another. They have lived together for years and can't cope without their loved one. It's almost like they will themselves to pass. There's something endearing about them going together. While David is mourning their deaths, the fact that they went together seems right.
Lastly they were fast; this is a nice attribute of a warrior. The stakes are great in war; to be physically able allows one to stay alive, but also to inflict punishment upon the enemy.
That is a packed, well said couple of sentences. David was a gifted writer. He was the only king only king to pen a book of the bible. In my estimation he was one of the greatest people that has ever lived. Psalm 23 is one of my favorites.
How will we be remembered? It all depends on how we respond to God. If we honor Him, He will honor us. Granted that has an emphasis on the spiritual. There are plenty of nonreligous people that will be remembered well. Psalm 23 says, "He prepareth a table for me in the presence of my enemies." He honors the faithful.
If one is rooted in Christ, they aren't concerned about their memory. The song "Only Jesus" by Casting Crowns I believe should be our motto. It first speaks of many people's pursuit, to "make a name for yourself". While it's not wrong to be well thought of, it's empty and short lived. Another lyric in the song says it this way, "All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won will crumble into dust when it's said and done".
I can recall attending a retirement party for a former coworker. He was spoken well of. I can recall wanting that. In time I saw it as fleeting and not matching my own style. Mine is one to one. I am uncomfortable being the center of attention.
When we are walking with Christ we are living for an audience of One. Eric Liddel from the movie "Chariots of Fire" said it this way, "He made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure." We understand how empty life without Christ is. It's like the young people hoping to get more likes on a post, it's rarely satisfying.
It's not just knowing seeking the world's favor is empty, but knowing life in Christ is full. It's been said there's a God-shaped hole in all of us. Only following Christ fills it. There are worldly pursuits that temporarily fill it, but it becomes empty. The Lord is a healthy addiction.
The next lyric in the song is "And I, I don't want to leave a legacy. I don't care if they remember me, Only Jesus. And I, I've only got one life to live. I'll let every second point to Him, Only Jesus."
It's fitting to glorify the Lord. When we rise too high it rarely ends well. The Hollywood stars and professional athletes prove this point. God deserves it. He honors us, but it's best when we honor Him.
The contentment that He gives us when we live for Him is part of our reward. Worldly fame is a distraction. I've learned that He gives us honor to provide a platform to share His Word. Don't dwell on the attention, but pray that He will use this opportunity to further His message and to open people's hearts to receive Him.
Lord, may we adopt this song as our motto. Help us to glorify Your as is proper. Thank You for the tiny moments of honor, but thank You more that You allow us to be a part of Your plan.