My Kingdom for a Horse (11)
Series: In Search of a King: The Book of Samuel
Patrick Edwards
1 Samuel 27:1 - 2 Samuel 1:27
Introduction
The end of 1 Samuel can feel like a series finale, or at least the end of a particular season as we watch the reign of King Saul come to an end finally opening the doors for David. And I think this ending produces a variety of conflicting emotions within us. We’re happy, in many respects, to finally see Saul get his comeuppance, but then again, it’s also a tragic ending, like that of Macbeth or King Lear. We should take our cues from David and avoid celebrating or delighting in Saul’s death. Rather, we should mourn over Saul and lament his story. You remember this was the posture Samuel himself took back in chapter 16. Because while there is certainly a place for justice in society and the punishment of offenders often provides victims a sense of not just justice but closure, we still should never be a people who delights in the death of our enemies. And so, this morning we try to hold in balance feelings of joy and hope that God continues to move His people and His world toward their perfect and appointed end. But that doesn’t mean we also weep over the reality of sin and death that have plagued this world and still does. We mourn over the near countless number of human beings who have chosen and continue to choose the path of spiritual rebellion against the living God. In other words, while we see how God is at intricate work in all the affairs of His world to bring His promises about, let us not be numb or without compassionate. May we hold these emotions together, that the reality of salvation and judgment would drive us all the more to pursue the righteousness of God and call all others as well to faith and surrender in God’s Messiah, for our passage today teaches us that Amidst the intrigue, chaos, and anxieties of human affairs, God steadily brings His purposes to fruition, showing mercy upon His people and judgment ...
Series: In Search of a King: The Book of Samuel
Patrick Edwards
1 Samuel 27:1 - 2 Samuel 1:27
Introduction
The end of 1 Samuel can feel like a series finale, or at least the end of a particular season as we watch the reign of King Saul come to an end finally opening the doors for David. And I think this ending produces a variety of conflicting emotions within us. We’re happy, in many respects, to finally see Saul get his comeuppance, but then again, it’s also a tragic ending, like that of Macbeth or King Lear. We should take our cues from David and avoid celebrating or delighting in Saul’s death. Rather, we should mourn over Saul and lament his story. You remember this was the posture Samuel himself took back in chapter 16. Because while there is certainly a place for justice in society and the punishment of offenders often provides victims a sense of not just justice but closure, we still should never be a people who delights in the death of our enemies. And so, this morning we try to hold in balance feelings of joy and hope that God continues to move His people and His world toward their perfect and appointed end. But that doesn’t mean we also weep over the reality of sin and death that have plagued this world and still does. We mourn over the near countless number of human beings who have chosen and continue to choose the path of spiritual rebellion against the living God. In other words, while we see how God is at intricate work in all the affairs of His world to bring His promises about, let us not be numb or without compassionate. May we hold these emotions together, that the reality of salvation and judgment would drive us all the more to pursue the righteousness of God and call all others as well to faith and surrender in God’s Messiah, for our passage today teaches us that Amidst the intrigue, chaos, and anxieties of human affairs, God steadily brings His purposes to fruition, showing mercy upon His people and judgment ...
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