2 Samuel – Chapter 1

How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! 2 Samuel 1:25a – The battle that took place in the last chapter of 1 Samuel is over and we see the devastation that was brought over Israel. Many Israelites lost their lives that day, and on top of the lives of the soldiers we see that King Saul, Jonathan, and Saul’s other two sons were killed in this battle. This was a horrible defeat for Israel that left them with a vacant throne. This was a hard message for David to hear, and we see that despair laid out in the verses of our chapter, for many are like the verse we have above. While that grief is easily seen, let us not forget the nature of relationship David had with Saul. Saul was continually seeking to kill David. Saul had taken multiple envoys of soldiers and chariots to hunt David down and wipe David off the map. Saul had even tried to personally assassinate David twice with a spear. While we may expect then David to be overjoyed at the news of Saul’s death, instead we see despair and grief. What we learn here is a lesson I read in a commentary over this chapter…hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness are chosen emotions. We do not have to camp out in such emotions, and they are not a forced way we have to exist. Through Jesus we can forgive those who have hurt us and return hatred towards us with love. Will that be easy? No. Will this look completely odd to all those around us like David’s reaction seems odd to us? Yes. Can we let go of our bitterness, hatred, and unforgiveness? Yes, with the help of Jesus. While this path of choosing to let go of these fleshly emotions is hard, it’s possible with Jesus and it’s the path Jesus is calling you to take. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3020

2 Samuel 1 Daily DEVO And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 2 Samuel 1:12 – What we have here in this chapter is a perfect example of Jesus’ teaching of loving your enemies being followed. As we have seen over the past few weeks, Saul, being filled with hate and envy, has be chasing David down constantly and trying to kill him. Saul devoted his life to the pursuit of David’s death. I’d say that classified as an enemy. Yet here we have David hearing about the death of Saul and his heart is shattered. Of course it makes since David would be broken over Jonathan’s death, but we see that same brokenness being given over Saul’s death too. David still cared about Saul and was broken to hear his life had been taken even though Saul put himself as an enemy. For us, the people that give up the most problems, we shouldn’t celebrate at their misfortune. If they or their family finds themselves in a struggle, our heart shouldn’t be to rub it in their face and praise God for their trouble. We should want the well being of even our enemy. This is what loving your enemy looks like. While I haven’t yet gotten this down perfectly, thankfully God has given us this passage in 2 Samuel to learn from and begin modeling after. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 432

Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 2 Samuel 1:5 – Check the truth behind the message that will change everything for you. Here a message was given to David that if true would not only place him on the throne but break his heart deeply. Yet before reacting physically or emotionally, David pauses to check the truth behind the words he is hearing. This new year that habit may be the best one you can begin. Examples? When someone says to you that Frank (or whatever name you want) doesn’t like you, is mad at you, doesn’t want your best…rather than believing it and tailoring your relationship with Frank around those words, go talk with Frank first to find the truth. When satan begins telling you you’re unwanted, unloved, worthless, invisible, and/or unneeded…rather than believing those words and living your life as such, go find the truth in scripture about what God actually says you are. Find the truth first. You can ruin beautiful relationship and halt your pursuit of Jesus all because you believed a lie too quickly. It’s not too late though to seek the truth. What’s a message you’ve been told that as a result changed your connection with someone or the way you live? Have you taken the time to find the truth about it? Some amazing freedom can start right there. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1860