Slain

"Your glory, O Israel, is slain," 2 Samuel 1:19.

So David, deeply moved by news of the king's death, opened his heart's lament. Despite the hardships brought on by his king, David yet mourned unconsolably. A double mourning: David's closest friend, Jonathan, died in the same battle. How the mighty have fallen ... David called on the mountains, on the meadows to join in the sorrow. He called for weeping over the deaths of the heroes. The nation's glory lay slain. When people we love die, that's how we feel. A lump in the throat replaces laughter. Joy gives way to lament. The heart breaks. Bright eyes blur into tearful shadows. Yes. And. Just so. Friends at the foot of the cross knew. Jesus' last breath left. Expired. The glory is gone.

And that's why, when we speak with a brother or sister today, we believe that God returned our Glory alive. And, together, we thank God for the living hope that tomorrow, tomorrow really will shine.