Remembered in Death
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. - 1 Samuel 31:11-13
The men of Jabesh Gilead knew the Philistines were trying to bring disgrace to Saul and his sons. They owed Saul a debt of gratitude, so they went to Beth Shan and took the bodies of Saul and his sons. In 1 Samuel 11, Saul saved their city from an attack from the Ammonites. Saul had delivered them from the enemy, and they would not allow him and his family to be dishonored by the Philistines.
When they returned to Jabesh, they cremated the bodies, buried them under the tamarisk tree and fasted seven days. They were given an honorable burial, in memory of the kindness Saul had extended to them.
In Saul’s life, he had done some good things, like saving the city of Jabesh Gilead. The people of the city remembered him and honored him for it. Unfortunately, Saul is not remembered for being honorable or godly. He is remembered for his rebellion. It is so sad.
We will all die. When you go to be with the Lord, what will people say about you? How will you be remembered? Take a good examination of your life and think about the legacy you will leave behind. Will you be remembered honorably or shamefully? It is up to you.
Death brings with it the exposure of our entire life.
~Basilea Schlink~
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