QT 1/27/2023 1 Sam 31, You never know how things will turn out during tragedy

1 Samuel 31:1–6 (ESV) —

1 Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. 6 Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.

 

NOTE: This is just as Samuel had predicted when the seer at Endor called him up from the place of the dead. This gives evidence that upon dying, we do not die, but enter into a different existence. At that time Paradise was in the earth, after Jesus' death it was closed down and the people were led to heaven by Jesus. This is a crazy week in the life of David, since he reaches a low point (the loss of his and his men's families), then the recovery, and then to be followed by the death of Saul and his family which would lead to his kingship (at least over Judah). The ups and downs are quite a rollercoaster of emotions. God brings good out of the evil because that is his promise to those he loves.

 

PONDER:

1. Rather than sulking in self-pity, do we look to God for his good out of the situation?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am not very good at seeking the good when I am in pain. It is so overwhelming, that sometimes we can't even think. Give us strength to turn our eyes upon you, as your little children.