Words of Encouragement: Devotionals from Alumni

Beginning our monthly series of devotionals from Covenant Seminary alumni, Tom Stein, pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Indiana, challenges us to engage compassionately with the brokenness of others in his reflection entitled "Weeping for Saul."

Weeping for Saul

"Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They
mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan…"

-- 2 Sam. 1:11-12a

Upon learning of the deaths of Jonathan and Saul, David weeps. We understand why he weeps for Jonathan, but why does he weep for Saul -- the man who has sought his death innumerable times?

David weeps for Saul because of his passion for God. David declares, "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on the heights" (1:19). In God's plan, Saul was "Israel's glory." And when he dies, David weeps. David cries, "Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice" (1:20) God's enemies live in these lands. They will hear about Saul's death, and they will proclaim victory for themselves and their gods over the God of Israel. The thought grieves David, and he weeps.

But he also weeps because of his compassion for people. In the midst of Saul's brokenness, David has seen greatness. He proclaims, "Saul and Jonathan -- in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions." Somehow, David has seen God's image in this broken man. He has witnessed the tragedy that beset Saul's soul, but he also has seen beyond the tragedy to the nobility in Saul's life. And so he weeps.

What about us? How does passion for God and compassion for people drive us to weep for others?

As a young person, troubled by a fellow student who cheats, slanders, and causes misery -- do you rejoice at her fate when she gets what is coming? Do you laugh and mock, or do you -- with a passion for God -- pray and seek her encouragement knowing that your Savior does not rejoice in the demise of the wicked, or even the irritating?

As a victim of abuse -- perhaps horrible, perhaps indescribable -- do you hate the one who abused you? When he is brought to justice, do you rejoice that his life has been wasted and that he will waste away in prison? Or can you express your compassion, even for him?

As an ex-wife, deeply and bitterly wounded by the actions of your former spouse -- his addictions that are slowly killing him -- you see how the sin crushes your children, and you know there is much to repair. Do you cry "Judgment! Judgment!" or -- with a passion for God in your heart -- can you call out, "O Lord, somehow redeem what seems so senseless. Put compassion in my heart that I might weep for him, and pray for him, and please you when I see him." In this new year, will you weep for Saul?

David's heart directs our hearts to Jesus, who wept over the "Sauls" of the nations, then died and rose for them. Because he wept, we weep. If you believe this is hard, then Jesus Christ has you right where He wants you. Only His Spirit can change your heart. Because He helps, we weep.

Pastor Tom Stein (MDiv '91)
Christ Presbyterian Church
Richmond, Indiana