Day 82, or March 23. Standing on the shoulders of giants. Our thoughts today are rooted in
2 Samuel chapter 1 verse 23. Saul and Jonathan, in life they were loved and admired, and in
death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.
Here's the big picture surrounding this verse. With the death of Saul, 1 Samuel closes, and
this important event is repeated at the beginning of 2 Samuel. The range of mountains where
Saul died is cursed by David, and even today there is very little greenery on Mount Gilboa
in northern Israel. David's reign begins in Hebron, but he finally rules the whole
of Israel from his city Jerusalem, after a long war with the surviving son of King Saul.
And now our action step for today. David pays his final tribute to King Saul and his son
Jonathan with a song at the beginning of the book of 2 Samuel. What a refreshing idea that
we respect those who were in authority before us. I was told some years ago that the best
minister any church ever had is the one before last. It takes that long to forget their mistakes.
However, David has respected Saul all his life as the Lord's anointed, and it's not
surprising that this continues after Saul's death. If only this respect could spread through
ministries and churches alike. It's not long since I was talking to someone in a well-established
ministry about their founder who had moved on to other things. I was told that it would
be better if we didn't talk about him when the current leader was around, as it could
cause problems. How sad is that! All churches and ministries are different, and leaders
are just as varied, but why not try to speak well of those who served the Lord in the past?
It's so easy to simply blame them for all that is wrong and give little credit for their
valued legacy. We are truly standing on the shoulders of giants. Try speaking of previous
co-workers as part of your foundations, rather than stepping stones for you to walk on.