Today’s scripture: 1 Samuel 20:24-42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
This text carries so much pain in it. Saul is filled with the pain of rage, and David and Jonathan are filled with the pain of loss. The pathos is so strong, it almost seems over the top — like an opera, or a movie-of-the-week.
And yet, most of us probably find this story hard to read for the very reason that it hits so close to home. We remember a time when we had to stand up against our parents or another authority figure. Maybe they didn’t throw literal spears at us, but they certainly wounded us deeply with their fury.
We might also remember a time when circumstances, or family, got in the way of an important relationship. We were forced to say goodbye with tears pouring down our cheeks, knowing we would probably not see each other again this side of heaven.
In our society, we’re often expected to face these sorts of adversities with a strong resolve. We’re given a subtle message that no one wants to hear about the pain our parents caused us, or how much we still grieve over that terrible break up. But this story is a reminder that we aren’t the first people to feel such pain, and we won’t be the last. It’s okay to “weep the more” when we feel pain. In fact, it’s natural and healthy to let our emotions show when we’re confronted with such grief.
Thought for the day: Whatever memories came to you as you read this text, share that grief with God, knowing that God cares deeply for you, and will carry the pain with you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.