Friday, April 3, 2009

April 3

David's Rise to Power (Continued) - 1 Samuel 22:6-23; Psalms 52; 1 Samuel 23:1-14; Psalms 63; 1 Samuel 23:15-25; Psalms 54; 1 Samuel 23:26-29, 24:1-22; Psalms 57; 1 Samuel 25:1

Why a picture of a Desmond from Lost to illustrate today's reading?  Lord knows.  When I googled an image from "Complex Character," his picture came up on the first page.  Make of it what you will.  Me, I watch the show religiously.

From potty humor to Psalms of praise, this reading runs the gamut of experience and emotion.  There are some incredibly moving passages here.  

A few lines from David's psalm as he hides from Saul in the desert:  

"Because of your love is better than life, 
     my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
     and in your name I will lift up my hands." 


Then Jonathan's wonderful acknowledgment and acceptance that his friend David will take his inheritance.  This self-sacrificing devotion is why I like Jonathan:

"You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to  you."

Then a brief moment of clarity in Saul's confused mind and tortured soul when he sees clearly, free of his jealousy and fear, David's devotion to him:

"And he wept aloud. 'You are more righteous than I,' he said.  'You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly...."

These are incredibly complicated characters and this is a study of character.  They are real people drawn with all their grace and all of their flaws.  It both saddens and inspires me.  And ultimately makes me thankful for God's grace.

Lord knows.


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