1 Samuel 23: 16-17
And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” NIV
So, at this point in the story, Saul is king over Israel. He has done something, I can’t remember what it is at the moment, but, he somehow disobeyed God, and for that, he is being replaced. God has ordained David to be the next king, and Saul knows it. He’s very, very angry (likely at himself if he were to be honest about it) and is hunting David down to kill him.
How often do we do that? We take matters into our own hands to correct a situation that would not be in existence if we had just been obedient in the first place.
Saul’s actions, however, have a devastating effect on David, and lots of other people, too. Yesterday, I found where he had killed an entire village, for goodness sake.
David is hiding out … although, he can’t be very well hidden if his best friend and brother-in-law is able to find him. But, I love this first verse, Jonathan went to help his friend find strength in God. I love that. All of my strength comes from God. I know that. David knew that. Saul knew that, in his heart of hearts.
But Jonathan takes it upon himself to go and find his friend and encourage him. David is wholly in God’s will. David has a magnificent future ahead of him. David has allowed himself to be distracted and frightened out of his wits by his current circumstances. But Jonathan keeps the big picture in mind and reminds David of God’s promise and God’s provision.
It is easy when things are going very poorly to allow ourselves to believe that they will never go well again. It is at those times that we need Godly friends to help us to find encouragement in God. And, when we see others who are struggling, it is incumbent upon us to point the way … the one true way … through Christ Jesus.
I am so thankful for the Jonathans in my life. And, I, too, want to follow Jonathan’s example.
I will think about that today.
365 Days of Peace 