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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]2 Samuel 1:25-27
“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”
For ten years, David lived as a fugitive running from a jealous King Saul. Now the running was over. Saul and his son, Jonathan, had been killed in battle, but David was not in the mood for a celebration. David’s proclamation that Jonathan’s love for him was “extraordinary, surpassing the love of women” is not to be taken in a sexual way. David and Jonathan were kindred spirits. They had the same purpose in life and the same passion for God. More than once, Jonathan had saved David’s life. David was simply drawing attention to Jonathan’s great sacrifice and self-denying commitment. David wrote a lament and ordered that the men of Judah be taught the words.
The death of a loved one calls for a prayer of honor. When a person you know passes away, take time to honor them in a conversation with God. Send a note to a family member to document what that person meant to you, how they challenged you, and how they encouraged you. Life is a great gift from God that should be esteemed and celebrated.
Talking Points
- When a friend or loved one passes away, take the time to write down what that person meant to you. Death brings a needed perspective. Talk over your notes about the person with God.
- Share those same notes with those close to the one who passed away. People appreciate an, “I am praying for you note” but a story of how that person impacted your life is powerful.
Father, help us develop friendships built on the same purpose for life and the same passion for God. Help us be friends that demonstrate the great sacrifice and self-denying commitment of Jonathan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I wrote a book called Refuge: Devotionals for Finding Strength and Comfort for those going through challenging times. You can find it in The Bible Chapel bookstore, biblechapel.org/bookstore.
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