2024_04_08 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- 1 Samuel 13:2-3, 1 Samuel 14:1-16, 1 Samuel 18:1-5, 1 Samuel 20:1-42, 1 Samuel 23:16-18
My maternal grandmother was my childcare provider until I went to elementary school. I can clearly remember all activity stopping in the afternoon when it was time for her to watch her “stories.” Years later, when my grandfather retired, he began watching too – although he adamantly denied it! They talked about the characters as if they were real people, discussing the latest upheaval in their lives. I’m not endorsing watching afternoon dramas, but there’s something in our human nature that is drawn to the story. We’ve just had a sermon series and men’s breakfast highlighting stories because they are powerful and can provide opportunities for us to learn from someone’s triumphs and failures. We built this year’s Bible reading plan to do the same.
Jonathan’s story could be a great movie with all the twists and turns. He was the son of a king, a victorious and brave warrior, and a man who displayed remarkable loyalty and humility. His friendship with David brought the heartbreaking realization of precisely who Saul was and what he was capable of. Like any son, Jonathan didn’t want to believe that his father would try to kill David, but once it was confirmed, he made a choice to remain loyal to his friend and help him escape. Some of the saddest words that Jonathan speaks to David are found in 1 Samuel 20:13 (NLT):
13″But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live. May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father.”
Jonathan recognized that God was no longer with Saul and viewed his father’s behavior as shameful. His loyalty to David came at a significant personal cost. Jonathan’s relationship with his father was damaged, along with his own shot at being the next king. Jonathan knew that David would be king after Saul, and his willingness to not only accept but protect David is remarkable.
Jonathan’s life and story provide much for thought about friendship, loyalty, humility, and justice. Jonathan didn’t turn a blind eye to injustice even when doing so may have benefited him. He didn’t fight for his position; he chose to fight for what he believed to be God’s will.
Here are a few things I’m asking myself this week after spending time in Jonathan’s story. Am I willing to support the success of another even when it means a lesser role for myself? Do I speak up when I see injustice happening regardless of the personal consequences? Am I a loyal friend? Would my friends agree?
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)
“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach