Saul and Jonathan Were Lovely
The sermon emphasizes the importance of loving our enemies and cultivating a God-like love in our lives, and it encourages listeners to seek a baptism of love to transform them.
F.B. Meyer reflects on the deep love and admiration David had for both Saul and Jonathan, emphasizing that even in the face of Saul's failures, David chose to remember the good qualities of the first king of Israel. This act of love illustrates the divine love that God instills in His children, encouraging them to love their enemies and focus on the virtues of others rather than their faults. Meyer challenges listeners to cultivate such love in their own lives, urging them to forgive and cherish the good in others, just as God does for us. He calls for a 'baptism of love' that transforms hearts and relationships, allowing believers to embody the love of Christ.
Text
Saul and Jonathan were lovely
and pleasant in their lives. 2 Sam. i. 23.
IT was very lovely and pleasant of David to say so. He had no hesitation, of course, in saying this of his beloved Jonathan, every memory of whom was very pleasant, like a sweet strain of music, or the scent of the spring breeze; but he might have been excused for omitting Saul from the graceful and generous epithets he heaped on the kindred soul of his friend. But death had obliterated the sad, dark memories of recent days, and had transported the Psalmist across the dream of years to Saul as he was when he was first introduced to him. All that could be said in praise of the first Hebrew king was crowded into these glowing lines ‑‑ the courage, martial prowess, swiftness to aid those who required help, his pleasantness and courtesy in address.
This is the love of God, which He breathes into the hearts of his children. They become perfect in love, as He is. "God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." It is God‑like for his children to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for all who despitefully use and persecute them. Is such love ours? Do we forbear from thinking evil? Do we look on the virtues more often than the failures of our friends? Do we cast the mantle of forgiveness over the injuries done to us, and dwell tenderly on the excellences of our foes? Such is the love which never fails, but endures when faith has turned to fruition, and hope has realized its dreams.
We need most of all a baptism of love. A piece of clay will become fragrant if placed in contiguity to attar of roses. Let us lie where John did, on the bosom of incarnate love, till we begin to love as he.
Sermon Outline
- The Love of David for Jonathan and Saul
- The Love of God
- The Need for a Baptism of Love
- David's praise for Jonathan and Saul
- The memories of Saul's past
- God's love for us
- God-like love for enemies
- The power of love to transform
- The example of John's love
Key Quotes
“It is God-like for his children to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for all who despitefully use and persecute them.” — F.B. Meyer
“God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us lie where John did, on the bosom of incarnate love, till we begin to love as he.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should strive to love our enemies and treat them with kindness and compassion.
- We can cultivate love in our lives by dwelling on the excellences of our foes and seeking a baptism of love.
- Lying in the bosom of incarnate love, as John did, can transform us and enable us to love as God loves.