College and Career. R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

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      1. AN ADVOCATE IN JONATHAN

      (1 SAMUEL 19:1–3)

      Saul’s animosity toward David was rooted in fear and jealousy. The public’s adoration of David after the confrontation with Goliath seems to have initiated it (1 Sam. 18:6–9). David had not done anything to deserve being treated as an enemy by Saul. A closer examination of Scripture reveals the king’s animosity toward David was rooted in fear and jealousy. It must have made Saul feel angry to see David adored by those who lined the streets for the victorious return from his single-handed killing. Goliath’s death sparked courage in the hearts of the Israelite army to defeat the Philistines in wake of his death.

      Jonathan felt differently about David. Not much is known about how the brotherhood between David and Jonathan began. Perhaps it began with Jesse’s young son David admiring King Saul’s son Jonathan. Then after David defeated Goliath, perhaps Jonathan began to admire David for his bravery and the skill it took to kill Goliath. Perhaps Jonathan overheard David telling Goliath that Israel’s God would defeat him, thus inspiring Jonathan’s faith. Nevertheless, a friendship developed over time between Jonathan and David and they became close. So close that Jonathan became an advocate for David.

LIFE.POINT As Christians we are called to act on the basis of transcendent values rather than on human loyalties.

LESSON.POINT A true friend intervenes in a godly manner to honor his/her values and advocate on behalf of a friend.

      In 1 Samuel 18:4, Jonathan removed his robe and put it on David. This was symbolic of the transfer of the monarchy from the house of Saul to the house of David. By doing this, Jonathan did not reject himself being in line for the throne, but, having been led by God’s Spirit, Jonathan realized he was not next in line for the throne. In addition to being a transfer of the monarchy, it was also a covenant between David and Jonathan. By giving his armor, weapons, and clothing to David, Jonathan was indicating his loyalty to David. Though he had, in theory, given his loyalty to David, it would have been easy to pull back and choose to follow his father’s wishes, as opposed to honoring the covenant between himself and David. But the basis of their relationship was love, not political expediency. It’s no wonder Jonathan intervened on behalf of David to his father King Saul when the king decided David needed to be destroyed. Saul’s actions, hopes, and directives did not stop Jonathan from being a true friend and advocate for David.

      As Jonathan intervened on behalf of David, Jonathan simultaneously stayed connected with David. On the one hand, he pleaded with the king, and on the other hand, he protected his friend. Despite how it may have looked, Jonathan was loyal to his father and loving toward his friend. Without him realizing it, Jonathan’s feelings and behaviors toward both his father and his friend in verses 1–3 became a type of guardian of the throne. The one occupying it was in distress, and the one who would soon occupy it would be on the run. Jonathan remained dependent on the Spirit of God to make decisions about David and Saul. Through his actions, David was able to ascend to the throne later, as ordained by God. Through Jonathan’s advocacy, he literally was able to change the course of history in a positive manner.

      In most cases, we do not know the outcome when we befriend someone and work on their behalf. However, Jonathan showed us there is more than one way to be a good leader within history. Sometimes what is required is recognizing the godly potential in someone close to us and advocating on his/her behalf. Advocacy often is overlooked as godly work. However, Jonathan realized that as the crown prince, he possessed a good amount of influence. He used his influence to help someone else and open a door.

      2. JONATHAN REFUSES TO REMAIN SILENT

      (1 SAMUEL 19:4–7)

      After the Lord rejected Saul as king, an evil spirit tormented Saul. This torment СКАЧАТЬ