“When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men marched through the night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. 13 Then they took their bones and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.” 1 Samuel 31.11-13
It’s sudden how this book ends. It’s also sad. Saul and his sons have been killed and their bodies mutilated. The people of Jabesh Gilead come to the rescue. Yet, there is no rejoicing, no fanfare, and a very small farewell to the first king of Israel. The text says, “Then they took their bones and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted for seven days.” The end.
It’s interesting that the tamarisk tree is mentioned. In Genesis, Abraham plants the same tree under which to worship God. He plants it for shade. It’s also referenced in Isaiah. Here is a short three-minute insight about this tree and its significance in the Bible (https://youtu.be/O78YltP8W1g?si=AyT3zAHfXUN2zmIT).
But back to Saul, although he was king, his ending is sad and unfulfilling, just as his life was. He did not become who God called or created him to be.
God has a good purpose for each of us. He intends for us to grow, flourish, and excel for Him. But we must remain holy and obedient to do so. Whether you succeed at your work and build a vast empire or remain a faithful servant caring only for a few people does not matter. What matters is our obedience, devotion, and steadfast love for the Lord. It’s not so much the fruit you produce that matters but that you are the fruit. Your character is the mark of a godly person.
Are you seeking the Lord this day? Are you striving to be all He has called you to become? How might you utilize your life for His glory? It is our goal to please Him. As 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.”
How are you pleasing God this way? May your life not be like King Saul’s but rather a reflection of His glory in your life.
“O Lord God, we can learn much from Saul and his failures, primarily what not to do. We can strive to be the person You have called us to be. Even when temptation knocks, we know that running towards You is the only viable answer. You call us to holiness and obedience. A fulfilling life is found in You. Thank You, Lord, for loving me. Thank You for allowing me to become all that You called and created me to be. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen