Two Kinds of Death!
Reflection: In life we don’t choose when we are born into this life, and we don’t choose when we die. These are the two great “bookends” of life that define our tenure here on earth. There is though the most unfortunate situation when someone chooses to end their life. Some people have called it the “unforgiveable sin”, though there is no teaching about this specifically in the bible. To keep it simple, salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ, and we are saved from our sins by what Jesus did for us on the cross. There is no ranking of sins, Christ died for them all. Therefore suicide like any other sin is forgiven, if the person had faith in Jesus while they lived.
In today’s readings, we have two very different types of deaths. We have Saul, who takes his own life, preferring to do that instead of being killed by Philistines. This is a sad ending for the first King of Israel and the Chronicler says in summary of his life, “Saul was unfaithful and died because of it, as he did not inquire of the Lord but sought out mediums.” In contrast, we see one of the first Christian martyrs in the church in the book of Acts (Stephen being an earlier one!). James, brother of John, one the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples is martyred by King Herod, who is trying to quell a Jewish uprising in Jerusalem.
Eusebius relates a story from Clement of Alexandria, who said the soldier guarding James before the judge was so affected by his witness that he declared himself a Christian also and was also willingly executed for Jesus alongside of James (Eusebius, Church History 2.9.2-3). For a good link describing the 3 different “James” in the early church see: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/37.html
When King Herod saw this met with the approval of the Jews (this was a purely political move!), he proceeded to go the same route with Peter. Yet, we will see tomorrow how God miraculously delivers him. So, we have two very different types of deaths, with two very important people in the bible’s history. One died in faithful service, and the other seeking not the One who called him to be His own but seeking other gods.
Though we see a lot of success and momentum in the early church, it is not without persecution. And, of course, Jesus had told the disciples that they could expect persecution. That is why we should not be surprised if we too face persecution for living out our faith today. Living out the Christian faith in today’s world can often be met with disdain, as Christian values developed from God’s Word clash with the world’s values.
King David is certainly no stranger to trials and persecution, and he gives us these words in Psalm 9 to meditate on as we persevere through them.
“9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
May God be your refuge in whatever you are going through and may you trust in Him no matter what! Amen.
Psalm 9:1-10
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
3 My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
7 The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
1 Chronicles 9:35-11:3
The Genealogy of Saul
35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maakah, 36 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth. 38 Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem. 39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.
40 The son of Jonathan: Merib-Baal, who was the father of Micah. 41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melek, Tahrea and Ahaz. 42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 43 Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son. 44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
Saul Takes His Life
10 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him. 4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together. 7 When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them. 8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news among their idols and their people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung up his head in the temple of Dagon. 11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men went and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
David Becomes King Over Israel
11 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’” 3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.
Acts 11:25-12:5
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison
12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Your dead shall live. Isaiah 26:19
Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are dead to sin and we give you total praise. Amen.
In today’s readings, we have two very different types of deaths. We have Saul, who takes his own life, preferring to do that instead of being killed by Philistines. This is a sad ending for the first King of Israel and the Chronicler says in summary of his life, “Saul was unfaithful and died because of it, as he did not inquire of the Lord but sought out mediums.” In contrast, we see one of the first Christian martyrs in the church in the book of Acts (Stephen being an earlier one!). James, brother of John, one the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples is martyred by King Herod, who is trying to quell a Jewish uprising in Jerusalem.
Eusebius relates a story from Clement of Alexandria, who said the soldier guarding James before the judge was so affected by his witness that he declared himself a Christian also and was also willingly executed for Jesus alongside of James (Eusebius, Church History 2.9.2-3). For a good link describing the 3 different “James” in the early church see: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/37.html
When King Herod saw this met with the approval of the Jews (this was a purely political move!), he proceeded to go the same route with Peter. Yet, we will see tomorrow how God miraculously delivers him. So, we have two very different types of deaths, with two very important people in the bible’s history. One died in faithful service, and the other seeking not the One who called him to be His own but seeking other gods.
Though we see a lot of success and momentum in the early church, it is not without persecution. And, of course, Jesus had told the disciples that they could expect persecution. That is why we should not be surprised if we too face persecution for living out our faith today. Living out the Christian faith in today’s world can often be met with disdain, as Christian values developed from God’s Word clash with the world’s values.
King David is certainly no stranger to trials and persecution, and he gives us these words in Psalm 9 to meditate on as we persevere through them.
“9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
May God be your refuge in whatever you are going through and may you trust in Him no matter what! Amen.
Psalm 9:1-10
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
3 My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
7 The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
1 Chronicles 9:35-11:3
The Genealogy of Saul
35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maakah, 36 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth. 38 Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem. 39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.
40 The son of Jonathan: Merib-Baal, who was the father of Micah. 41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melek, Tahrea and Ahaz. 42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 43 Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son. 44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
Saul Takes His Life
10 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him. 4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together. 7 When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them. 8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news among their idols and their people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung up his head in the temple of Dagon. 11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men went and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. 13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
David Becomes King Over Israel
11 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’” 3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.
Acts 11:25-12:5
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison
12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Your dead shall live. Isaiah 26:19
Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are dead to sin and we give you total praise. Amen.
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