Devotion
How the mighty have fallen … and sinned
David Jacobs
All living things must deal with death. Is killing another human ever justified? There are currently wars ongoing in several countries, many of them fight under the guise of religion. As violence and death spread, the grief of those that have survived leads to more violence and death. The vicious cycle is difficult to break and has been viewed countless times in history.
In these verses, we have two examples of a human killing another human. The first is from the messenger, who claims that he happened upon Saul who was about to die. He asks Saul what he should do, and Saul begs that he kill him to put him out of his misery. He does this, and when he relays this message to David and the Israelites, they are stricken with grief. The Amalekite did as Saul requested and ended Saul's pain. His action is with good intentions, but costs him his life.
David, filling with grief and emotion, asks the Amalekite why he would dare to kill the Lord's anointed, although Saul has disobeyed God and lost God's blessing (1 Samuel 15). Although David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible, it is his emotional and human nature that makes him easy to empathize with. In his emotional state, David orders the Amalekite to be executed for killing Saul.
Although these verses are not of much significant later, they struck a nerve with me. The Amalekite did what the Lord's anointed, Saul, commanded of him by killing him. In my opinion, David sins, certainly not the first or last time that he will do so, murdering the Amalekite. His actions, which are certainly deplorable, are justified by his grief. His emotional state leads him to sin, forgetting the faithful service that has led him to the throne.
Prayer
Do you think either of these killings is justified? Which one do you think is more justified than the other? If you were the Amalekite, what would you have done? If you were David, how would you have acted?
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
