I liked the AMI devotional thought from Friday a lot about admitting wrongdoing and apologizing. However, in this passage, I question Saul's comment to David in verse 17. I don't think it was fake, but I wonder how much he was still comparing himself to David even in that moment of remorse. It's almost like an apology came, but he missed addressing the deeper issue - why was he so paranoid and threatened by David? Everything David had done up to that point had shown that David would not overthrow Saul by force - David respected Saul, submitted to him, understood that Saul was the Lord's anointed - but Saul's mind and heart were pretty messed up so he could not see the reality of the situation.
In relationships, especially among leaders, it's so important to be humble and to value / honor others above yourself. How much does it stink when someone else is succeeding, even in ministry, and you feel that tinge of bitterness and jealousy towards that person? How much more joy could we have in life if we genuinely were able to celebrate with one another? David has slain his 10's of thousands - Saul could have been like, woohoo go David! Let's keep fighting together!
So, just praying that the Lord would help me to be on guard in this area of comparison and jealousy. It's an ugly one, and feels awful when I'm struggling with it. Help me to see the unique gifts in myself and others, so that we know we are each called to a specific purpose - we can rejoice with one another in their victories! Keep us united as a team this summer. Let Romans 12:15-16 be true of us:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
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