Hey, it's David Platt. I am really looking forward to Secret Church 25 on April 11th, and I hope you'll

join us for six hours digging deep into the book of Matthew, praying for our persecuted

brothers and sisters. And if you register by April 2nd and live in the U.S., the UK, or Canada,

we'll make sure your printed scripture journal gets to you in time for

Secret Church. I really don't want you to miss this. Sign up today at radical.net slash

SC25. Pray the word with David Platt is a resource from radical.net.

1 Samuel, chapter 31, verse Saul died and his three sons and his armor bearer and all his men on the same day together

what a verse and in a sense of very depressing verse to see Saul who had so much potential and God granted so much

grace to end his life in such disgrace having lived and led God's people with pride and ultimately

in disobedience to God.

And now in 1st Samuel chapter 31, he dies.

And I read this first, and I think about two particular funerals that I've been to recently,

one for my mentor and spiritual father in ministry in so many ways, Jim Shaddix, and then more

recently my uncle, Uncle John, and both of them died in a way that is totally different than

what we read about here with Saul in 1st Samuel 31. Both of these men died faithfully following Jesus. And while

there is, without question, grief in their death, there is also joy and fulfillment and contentment.

I saw both of these men and the days before they went to be

with the Lord, and they were totally trusting in Jesus. And they were surrounded by people who

were trusting in Jesus, family and friends as a result of their lives. And I have thought a lot about Ecclesiastes

and how Ecclesiastes really points us to the brevity of life and almost beckons us to fast

forward to the day when each of us are going to die. So just hang with me. This may

feel depressing for a moment, but I think this is so important. And Scripture attests to this.

...