II Samuel 1:11  Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.

Have you ever had an enemy? Probably not someone that was trying to kill you, or even do you bodily harm, but who nonetheless made themselves your enemy. They were just a thorn in your side. Always there, always working against you, always annoying or worse. If so, you’ve probably had occasion to think some version of, “If I ever get the chance, I’ll…” It’s understandable. Especially if their antagonism goes beyond the nuisance level. If they are really causing trouble for you, or even worse, if their actions affect those you love, at least the temptation of revenge is probably present.

Almost since the day David had defeated Goliath, his life had been terrible! He had twice been nearly pinned to the wall with Saul’s spear. He had almost constantly been on the run in fear for his life. He had no days of peace. He had even had to leave Israel and taken refuge with the Philistines! But on this day, that was at an end. Because this is the day that Saul was killed! David was a free man! His worries and his troubles were basically over! He could come home! He could become king! He wouldn’t be on the run hiding in holes anymore! And how did he react to this life-changing news? He tore his clothes and wept!

Once again, David shows his quality. David was able to see the bigger picture. He knew that, though this might be in many ways, a good thing for him, it was a tragic thing for Saul, his family, and for the nation. He didn’t hate Saul so much that he was happy with his demise no matter the consequences.

There are lessons to be learned for us in this. We are so ready to take sides on any number of issues and to place personal capital on the line. We care about our issue so much that everything and everyone on the other side becomes anathema to us. Our outrage is too ready to spill out. This isn’t God’s way. We should, of course, care about issues. We can even have opinions. But just as David didn’t rejoice at the death of his enemy, we shouldn’t wish ill on ours. We will certainly never win anyone to Christ in that way!

Blessings,

Pastor Russ