Word of the Week

2/6/10

While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 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.” I Samuel 23:15-17 (NIV)

Jonathan was a man who loved, obeyed, and served God so much that he could put aside his own worldly power, prestige, honor, and ambition to be submissive to the will of God. Instead of aligning himself with his father Saul after God’s Spirit departed from Saul, Jonathan continued to love David. Jonathan could have been resentful that David would one day be king instead of him. He could have used his friendship to try to kill or betray David into the hands of Saul. Instead he accepted God’s will and did all he could to help and encourage David. He went to David who was very afraid that Saul would soon kill him. Jonathan reminded David that God was with him and that Saul would not be able to harm him or keep him from becoming king. Man is not able to defeat God’s stated plans. And Jonathan affirmed to David his own willingness to see David be king with himself in the lesser position.

We need the same submissive spirit toward God. It is easy to love, serve, and obey God when we are receiving His blessings. But if we must give up position, power, money, prestige, etc. especially when it is a result of someone else’s (Saul’s) sin, it becomes much harder. Sometimes submission and obedience comes at great personal cost. Are we willing to become less so others can be more? Do we really show Jonathan’s submission to God in our friendships and interactions with others? Do we strengthen and encourage others?

PRAYER: Dear God, Thank You for this picture of true friendship and submission to You by this king’s son. Help me to be so focused on loving You and doing Your will that I will not be deterred even if You call me to lose what I think I should have. Fill me anew with the Holy Spirit who enables me to speak Your words of encouragement and strength into every situation. May my heart truly serve You at all times.