S) "11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so also did all the men who were with him. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."
2 Samuel 1:11-12 (NASB)
O) Upon hearing the news of Israel's defeat, and the death of Saul and Jonathan, David's reaction is very quick. Tearing of clothes was a common symbol of distress, and David led his people in this. The act of mourning was a decision for his followers, not just an emotional response, because these people weren't necessarily fans of Saul or Jonathan. But, they mourned and wept and fasted, because their leader did, and because they acknowledged that it was justified.
A) I don't know that I've ever truly mourned someone without the emotion of missing the person. I've never chosen to mourn. I need to be more conscious of my country's victories and defeats, and be more aware of our leaders. I also think it's interesting that they fasted until evening. I often think of fasting as needing to be at least a day in order to mean anything. I should discard that notion. When something traumatic happens suddenly, but actions is still needed, it would seem fasting until evening can be perfectly justified.
P) Father, enlighten me to the happenings of my country. Show me how I can, through prayer and fasting, be used for Your glory, to affect my nation. May Your Spirit lead me in mourning, when it's appropriate, even without emotional ties; especially then, Lord. And please help me to lead my family effectively in this same discipline. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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