Wow! When the Old Testament wants to make a statement it
makes a statement and today’s statement is no exception.
1 Samuel 17:57-18:5 and 18:10-16 talks about Saul and
David’s first meeting. This meeting takes place after David, still a boy, has
just defeated the Philistine giant we know as Goliath. Saul’s
commander-in-chief, Abner, brings David before the king where Saul has a little
talk with him.
This passage tells us that by the end of that talk Saul’s
son, Jonathan, develops a deep connection with the boy. This connection was so
deep that Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, and his bow in a covenental pact. As the story
continues, everyone in Israel and Judah eventually fall in love with David;
including Saul, which he begins to see as a threat to his own leadership.
As I reflect on how the story unfolds I begin to think of
our world leaders, both those who stand at our side and don’t. I see how
keeping or obtaining power is more important than actually governing those who
they are entrusted to take care of. My thoughts continue to go down the road of
the countries in recent history that have had their leaders overthrown in the
name of “democracy”. The only difference between all the leaders in my thoughts
and the story of David is how God’s plan is being shown through the life of
David.
God wants nothing more than for humanity to be united with
each other, God, and all of creation. In the Old Testament this message of
unity is woven into the history of the Hebrew people. So, when the Old Testament
makes a statement that says if God is with you then eventually all things will
be with you, it really makes that statement; even if a king has to lose
everything and everyone around him to make it.
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