In the Matter of Suicide

# 405 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Sa 31:3-5, “The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armorbearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me." But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it. 5 And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him. (1 Sam 31:3-5) One of the rare instances where suicide is mentioned in the Bible. If you know anything about war during this time in history, you know that captives received very harsh treatment. Just recall how the Philistines put out Samson's eyes when he was captured! Then they demanded that he entertain them with feats of strength. They mocked him and made sport of him, just as our King, the Lord Jesus was mocked and maltreated. Saul would rather die than face the abuse of the Philistines and after his armorbearer refused to do the job, he did it himself. Some use this instance in Scripture to incorrectly tie suicide and damnation together. But before you do that, think again. If Saul was condemned to hell, it was only for the same reason anyone is condemned to hell, a lack of true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (God knows the heart) I shall ever remember the sight of 9-11, where people were jumping from 100 floors up of the world trade center rather than face the death by fire. Are we to condemn them to hell because of that choice? I think not. You and I do not know the pain, the circumstances that drives someone to take their own lives. Don't condemn, rather seek to be aware of the signs, educate yourself and then try to be there for the afflicted. And if you are contemplating suicide, please remember the pain you will inflict on those left behind. People who genuinely love you and will be scarred by your loss. And though it may be extremely difficult to remember during your time of trial. Remember that God loves you and He will pull you through. Hang onto Him, believing that there are better days ahead, and though you may not see it at this time, He does have a plan for your life. Father, help those today who are struggling with intense pain, emotional or physical. Pull them through the fire, and lead them to the plan you have for their lives..