David gives a beautiful eulogy for Saul and Jonathan after they are killed in battle. Jonathan was his dearest friend, and, even though Saul sought his life, David still cared for this wayward king. Upon hearing the news of their death, David starts to speak the last words of remembrance for these fallen soldiers, "How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
Some times the mighty ones in Christ have to step down because of some besetting sin in their life. We've lost the aspect of integrity in our leaders. Our leaders no longer have a respectable character when viewed by their flock. It is the downward spiral that causes the mighty to fall. And we can see this in the lives of Saul and Jonathan.
David's first response to hearing the death of his enemy (Saul) was not that of gladness, it was sorrow. And, we too, should not be happy when the wayward saints fall or die. They may have had mistakes, but they accomplished something for God in their life- and that is worthy of recognition.
David says that their weapons accomplished something good on the day of their death. This is how a mighty man should die- doing everything it takes to fight he battles of the Lord, regardless of past mistakes or present circumstances!
You can leave a mark by doing three things: First, overcome personal failures. They can be fixed. If you're still alive, it's not too late! Next, let go of personal grudges. You can't die at the top of your game if you hold on to personal grudges from the past. All men know that we are his disciples by our love for the brethren (I John 3:14-16). And, lastly, repair personal relationships. It seems we always hurt the ones who love us most! We need too swallow our pride and apologize if we were in the wrong, or we need to forgive if we were wronged. Things said in anger can destroy the strongest relationships, and ruin the mightiest of Christians.
What will be said by the ones who speak of you at your funeral? Will your enemies speak well of you? What will your friends say? How will you be remembered by those you influenced?
