| Volume XXVII |
November
2006
|
Number
4
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"How Are The Mighty Are Fallen"
By
Jackie M. Stearsman
In eulogizing Saul and Jonathan, David comprised a song that was recorded also in the book of Jashar, and it was to be taught to the children of Judah (2 Sam. 1:17-18). The song contains three refrains that end with an exclamation point in the American Standard Version of 1901 (1:19, 25, 27). I cite them here for our reflections:
Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon the high places!
How are the mighty fallen!
...
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan is slain upon thy high places.
...
How are the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished!
The Lord would have us learn from this (Rom. 15:4), and He also counsels us to take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Are there lessons that we may learn that brought King Saul and his beloved son Jonathan to this point? Let us consider some of the contributing factors.
1. Going against the Conscience
From the words of Saul, he forced himself to go against his conscience, and this resulted in the Lord rejecting him from being king (1 Sam. 13:12). God holds us responsible for going against our conscience (1 John 3:20; Rom. 14:23; 1 Tim. 4:2). We must not be fearful or intimidated to violate what we understand to be wrong.
2. Making A Rash Vow
Making a rash vow can bring great harm to ourselves and the people we serve (1 Sam. 14:24-45). Peter made a rash promise that he could not keep (Matt. 26:33-35). Herod made a foolish oath (Matt. 14:7-10). Jephthah made a sad vow (Judges 11:30-31). Does James 1:19-20 admonish us to take caution in our aggressive actions? “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Prov. 18:13).
3. Fearing People
Fearing People lead to Saul’s downfall (1 Sam. 15:24). Popular opinion is not to be ignored, but it must not be the determining factor in our decisions. Great mistakes are made when men can be improperly swayed by others (John 12:42-43; Acts 5:29).
4. Thinking Sacrifice May Substitute for Obedience
Thinking sacrifice may replace obedience contributed to King Saul’s demise (1 Sam. 15:22-23). Let us never forget that what is considered as a great act in the eyes of men may be in the eyes of the Lord the same as idolatry and witchcraft.
5. Jealousy and Envy
Jealousy and envy were a part of the tragic decline of Saul. We are to rejoice with the prosperity of others (Rom. 12:15). When David was praised for succeeding in battle, it filled Saul’s heart with jealousy. That someone might receive recognition other than him must have caused him endless hours of misery (1 Sam. 18:7-9; Prov. 14:30). Both Joseph (Gen. 37:11) and Jesus (Matt. 27:18) faced such envy. As Christians, we must be motivated to seek the highest good for others, and if we do, we will curb the temptation to be jealous at the successes of others (1 Cor. 13:4).
6. Murdering the Innocent
Murdering the innocent can result from the rage of a “wild-man.” This characterized Saul as he manipulated the slaughter of eighty-five priests (1 Sam. 22:11-23). Manipulating misdeeds in others can occur even by those who may be considered honorable people. David manipulated the death of a loyal servant of his in order to cover up his own misdeeds (2 Sam. 12:7). David, exemplifies the person who can identify sin in others but have difficulty admitting it in himself. If such could happen with David, we must guard our own actions.
7. Confessing Sin Without Reforming Life
Confessing failure without reforming life contributed to Saul’s end. Time and again we read of Saul’s confession of sin (1 Sam. 15:24, 30; 19:4-5; 26:21), but his character remained unchanged–in fact it seems his heart became more hardened. Opportunity and advantage become a liability when not used for the glory of God. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).
8. Knowing That God Has Turned Against Us
Knowing that God has turned against us may cause us to find comfort in what we know to be wrong (2 Thess. 2:9-12). Saul had once removed witchcraft from the nation, and in the end found himself seeking “insight” from this foolish superstition (1 Sam. 28).
Those, like Saul, who continue to go their own way will like him find the Lord’s mercy has a limitation (Gen. 6:3; Prov. 1:20-33; Rom. 6:1-2).
Conclusion
King Saul had a great responsibility as the first king of Israel. He had honor from the people for a time, but by a continuation of misdeeds he fell from the position he craved the most.
King Saul had a faithful servant in David, but jealousy would not permit him to endure the praise David received for faithful service.
Saul had a loyal son, Jonathan. Jonathan died with him in battle and the nation was defeated by those who should have long before been subjected to Saul and the nation of Israel.
Could the following passage express the ultimate failure of King Saul? “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). May we each guard our heart, for from the heart are the issues of life (Matt. 15:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:12).
If this song was to be learned by the people of Judah and Israel, should it be learned by us? If the mighty can fall, what of those of us who are not so mighty? How are the mighty fallen! Ω
2006 Booster Banquet Honors Charlie and David Deal
In Appreciation to |
Friends and supporters of the Florida School of Preaching gathered on Thursday evening at 7:00 to honor a father and son for their years of faithful and loyal service to the school.
Charlie Deal
Charlie and his family were charter members of the South Florida Avenue church of Christ which began in 1949. The congregation consisted of 35 members, most of which came from the Lake Wire church of Christ, meeting in a small frame building on Patterson Street. The congregation grew and soon purchased the property of South Florida Avenue and began worshiping in the present location in 1960.
Charlie served the congregation as a deacon. In 1968, Charlie became an elder and continued in that capacity until the death of his beloved wife, Emma Mae. He is still an active member of the congregation.
He and other elders encouraged B. C. Carr to begin the Florida School of Preaching in the upstairs rooms of the building in 1969, and have always been leading contributors to the school
David Deal
David became a member of the church in 1956. He graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 1964. He attended Polk Community College.
David served as a medic in the Marine Corp. He served two hitches in Vietnam, and received two Purple Hearts.
David began working with the U. S. Postal Service in 1971 and is still there at this writing.
David is an active member of the South Florida Avenue church of Christ, and teaches classes here. David is always willing to do what he feels qualified to do in the work of the church. David has been a perpetual contributor to the Florida School of Preaching. Many are indebted to David for his assistance, and this includes the Florida School of Preaching.
Florida School of Preaching
32nd Annual Lectureship
Do You Understand The God Of The Bible
January 15-18, 2007