READING: 1 Samuel 31, 2 Samuel 1-3
“How the mighty have fallen!” Three times in today’s reading, David made this statement as he lamented the deaths of Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam 1:19, 25, 27). The king and David’s beloved friend Jonathan were now gone. The Philistines had even “spread the good news in the temples of their idols and among the people” in celebration (1 Sam 31:9). It was a tragic moment.
How painful it is, indeed, when the mighty fall—particularly when that fall is the product of sin. Some years ago, I wrote a blog post on this subject after reading two books about this general topic. Some of the characteristics listed there were evident in Saul’s life—and, frankly, in too many of our lives. The problem with a fall is that it seldom happens quickly and intentionally; instead, it happens slowly and almost imperceptibly. All of us are also susceptible.
The hope that we have, though, is that God still reigns. The fall of God’s leader never means the fall of God. He is Lord. Amen.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you see yourself in any of the characteristics listed in the blog post?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, guard me from myself for Your glory.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 4-7