Lamenting an Enemy and a Friend 

 

Saul hated David, but Saul’s son Jonathan loved David. When Saul and Jonathan died in battle with the Philistines, it broke the heart of David. “Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher” (2Sa 1.17, 18).

Saul was king of Israel and for Israel’s enemies to kill him brought shame on Israel, although Saul had been wicked and tried to kill David. In the song that he wrote of these two men, he showed that he bore no animosity toward the king of Israel, and of course, he lost a dear friend in Jonathan.

David even wanted this song recorded that it might be taught to future generations. What a magnificent man David was. Let us be like him. DR

 

Persistence Pays Off 

 

Jesus said that a widow went to a judge who did not fear God and did not care for people, yet, the widow needed justice against an enemy, and the judge would not help her initially, “And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me’” (Luke 18.4, 5).

Jesus used this to illustrate that God does care for people, and if persistence before a wicked judge brought results, then certainly persistence in prayer before the righteous Judge will definitely bring results.

Do not give up, but continue to pray to your heavenly Father with your requests. DR

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