Daily Devotional for Tuesday, August 22

The Tears of David

“And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, 
and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the
 house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword,” 2 Samuel 1:12.

God is a loving and compassionate God, full of grace and tender mercies. His heart of love and forgiveness for fallen man can clearly be seen in the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. Our Lord Jesus Christ lived a life full of compassion for others and then paid the price for our sins on the cross of Calvary. As He hung on that cruel cross, He looked down upon His torturers and cried, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). His love was not only given to those who loved Him, but also for those who hated Him and nailed Him to the cross that day.

David had been informed by a young Amalekite man that Saul and Jonathan had died in battle. It would stand to reason that David would be grieved over Jonathan’s passing as he was a dear friend. But Saul had been heavily pursuing after David for many years. Most in David’s position would be celebrating his death, but David had a tender heart. He cried and lamented for Saul, Jonathan and for Israel. His heart was soft, even for Saul who had caused him much grief throughout his life. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why God said David was a man after His own heart.

We are called to love and care for all people, including those considered our enemies. Take time to pray for the difficult people in your life. Be sure to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with every person you encounter, without regard for how you are treated by them. May we seek to be like our Lord Jesus Christ and have a forgiving heart towards all.

REFLECTION: “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:28).

Darla Goodrum