1 Samuel 31

“And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days” (v13).  Once anointed by God, King Saul had allowed his fear and lack of faith to lead him into disobedience, and, just as Samuel had prophesied, he was killed in battle and the kingdom taken away. However, Israel wasn’t finished.  Hearing that the Philistines had treated the bodies of Saul and his sons disrespectfully, “valiant men” entered enemy territory to reclaim them (v12).   

“Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer …” (v6).  In moments of struggle and defeat – just as much as in victory – we can still act with courage and honor our Lord.