Running with Passion

2 Samuel begins with an Amalekite man arriving at David's camp. The man tells David that the Israelites fled in battle and that Saul and his sons are dead. David asks the man how he knows all this and he states that he happened upon Saul, who was mortally wounded, and that Saul asked him to end his life. The man says he did, and that he then brought the king's crown and arm band for David. Since Saul in fact died by piercing himself with his sword, it is probable that this man was actually just looting the bodies after the battle, happened upon Saul and thought he would be rewarded by David for bringing the king's things to him. David is crushed upon hearing the news and he and his men fast. He then asks the man why he was not afraid to lift his hand against the annointed - then punishes him by death for doing so. David then writes a song of mourning to honor Saul and Jonathon. It at first seems ironic that David would be so devoted to Saul when he knows God Himself has turned from Saul and that He desires David to become the next king. I think David is honoring the strength and grace Saul started out with - the vision he had when God annointed him king. Saul began with a passion and love for the people of Israel - the same passion and love that burned inside of God for His people. David is mourning the sad end to a king who slowly turned from God and began trusting in himself. I pray today for the passions God has put inside of me. The beauty is that I have nothing to do but trust in Him; my own struggle to birth those passions would only result in my own gratification and pride. If I focus solely on Him and believe in His love and grace for me, the passions of my life will overflow in serving others.