2 Samuel 1 & 1 Samuel 31

Recurrent Thought

The Death of the Mighty (leaders) is the Seed of greatness for future Generations. Thus, it is essential to honor them and celebrate them accordingly.

Today we celebrate the Memory of the late Hon. Vice President & Eight other Patriots who died in a plane crush on Monday 10th of June 2024. We recognize them as Our Mighty Fallen |Heroes. We briefly explore the story of the Death of King Saul and Jonathan who died in battle against the Philistines on Mr. Gilboa as our text. David wrote a Lament in honor of their death.

A lament is a song or a statement that express deep sorrow, grief, or regret. It narrates human struggle. 

The Background

• David who used in stay in exile in the place Ziklag. Once he had gone to battle after resting for two days, he received a visitor.
• A visitor came with a news that King Saul and his Son Jonathan had died in battle at the Mt of Gilboa
• This man further claimed that he happened to be on the Mt Gilboa and found the King terribly injured and desired him to finish him off; and he did. 
• The Amalekite said, “And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord” (Verse 10).
• The reality is that King Saul regularly hunted David; he pursued him until David started to dwell in enemy territory.
• Yet when this man came with the news that should have made him happy, instead David behaved differently. David and his people fasted and mourned for King Saul and His Friend Jonathan
• Worst still, David later on instructed people to execute this Amalekite for claiming that he destroy the Lords Anointed. 
• According to 1 Samuel 31. Saul who was injured by an arrow, fell on his spear in fear that the Philistines would torture and kill him. His armor bearer who refused to finish him off, also fell on his spear
• The section of 2:17-27 is a song of Lament, also called a Dirge. It is full of Sadness and Celebrations mingled together.
• The Lament celebrates the bravery and giftedness of the Fallen; but it demands that the news should not be published in the lands of the enemies. The enemies should not begiven opportunity to gloat over the death of heroes

Malawi’s Mighty Have Fallen

• The reality is that the ones that have fallen were not perfect. The Honorable Vice President SKC was not loved by all; others loved him while others hated him. 
• But like David who spoke well about the fallen King Saul, we too celebrate the greatness of our Fallen Heroes
• We choose to celebrate their bravery; We choose to mourn their visionary lifestyle. 
• The Nation decides to mourn the Mighty heroes with honor and respect; they have done well; we celebrate their death;
• We deliberately decide not to allow our enemies gloat over our pain,
• Our mighty were powerful in life; they are also glorious in death.

Two Thoughts in the Lament

1. We must always Honor and Protect the Dignity of the Fallen
   • Deliberately do not allow others to discredit the greatness of the Fallen
   • Be vigilant against the vultures who destroy the Stories of greatness of the Fallen. 
   • Don’t subtract from their bravery. Let the fallen be celebrated well, with dignity
   • Even if you did not like them, celebrate them. Recognize and Celebrate the Greatness of the Fallen 
   • The reality is that King Saul impacted others, different people from the ones David impacted; and therefore, recognize the double impact we get from both the living and the dead. Celebrate the lives of the Fallen, they become the Legends for our Future
   • Despite the pain the Fallen could have caused others, they too impact thousands of others. They must be celebrated. Publish the Greatness of the Fallen
   • Pain must be swallowed by celebration of their greatness
2. Honor Your Fallen Enemies
   • The Mighty who have fallen, can longer remain your enemies. 
   • David and King Saul did not see each other eye to eye, Yet in death David Celebrates King Saul
   • Death terminates enmity; death reconciles foes. We pray that this death will reconcile the nation.
   • Our Character shines brighter when we celebrate the bravery of our fallen enemy 
   • Our Character as a Nation shines brighter when we celebrate the Fallen even if they were not from our tribe, our party etc.

Altar Time

• Pray for the Nation of Malawi