The Father has been "working" me through 1 Samuel for the past month or so. Today I finished the book. The experience has been very rich. I highly recommend you spend some time there.

I am motivated today to bring to light "The Men of Jabesh Gilead". In my study, I first blew past this band of brothers. But, on further review...I have found kindship with them.

These men are mentioned 3 times in the Word:

1) Judges 21:8.....This passage is very confusing to me. Anyone willing to shed light, feel free.

My spirit was drawn toward the connection between the other two places "The Men of JG" are mentioned.

2) 1 Sam 11:1
3) 1 Sam 31:11

In 1 Sam 11:1, we find that the Men of JG are besieged by Nahash the Ammonite. We also find young King Saul being confirmed as God's appointed King of Israel. Go, read this chapter. It's real crazy.

Then, flip over to 1 Sam 31:11. This is where the story for Saul comes to a close. God's annointing has left Saul and Israel has been handed over to the Philistines. Saul seeing that death is approaching performs a little Hari Keri action. His body is taken by the Philistines...he's beheaded and his corpse (along with his son's corpses) are actually hung up on the wall for all to see the victory of the Philistines.

This is where the Men of Jabesh Gilead shine. Vrs. 12 says "all their valiant men journeyed through the night....and took down the bodies"
In my head, while I was reading this verse, I saw the movie "Spy Game". This is actually one of my favorite movies to watch. If your thinking mmmm ...Spy Game...it's the one with Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. (go rent it)

Back to Spy Game. So I picture these Men....rallying to go and get their King who had delivered them from slavery and humiliation. Can you imagine how the Philistines would have had the corpse of King of Israel guarded. These Men of JG risked much to retrieve dead bodies and show them honor.

It reminds of the very end of Spy Game.

As, I thought over this passage. Here is what I prayed:

That I would be like Saul in this regard. That I would be willing to go to battle for people.
That I would have people in my life who would care for me is such a way that they would perform such an act knowing that I would never be able to thank them.
That I would be of such stature that I would risk much for those around me...never to seek honor, favor, or praise.

In my life...there are always people coming and going. Only a few that stay constant. I used to really suck at friendships. I didn't know how to invest in people once our paths went in different directions. One of the goals of my life is to have frienships that span my lifetime. Frienships that remain. My desire is to be a good friend and to have good friends.

My prayer is to be like the Men Jabesh Gilead and to be surrounded by Men of Jabesh Gilead.