Day 87

Unselfish Jonathan

Read: 1 Samuel 18-20

As David grew in popularity, Saul became more and more jealous of him. Twice, in a rage, he tried to pin David to the wall with his javelin, but failed. Then he tries to lure David into unwise risks in fighting the Philistines, hoping they will kill David for him. He offers to give his own daughter to David as his wife if he kills 100 Philistines. David kills twice that many and comes back safely. Then Saul instructed his son Jonathan and his servants to kill David.

Jonathan has everything to gain if David is killed. If so, at the death of Saul, Jonathan would become king. If David lives, Jonathan knows that David will become king instead. But he had become David’s best friend. He protects David, even though he knows that will result in him not becoming king. In fact, he risks losing his own life at the hands of his father to protect David. David is forced to flee, losing his high position in the army, and yet Jonathan is still loyal to him.

What a lesson for us! Let us do what is right even though it may cost us advancement. Let us be loyal to our friends even though it may seem to be to our own disadvantage, especially when allegiance to God is at stake. God is a God of faithfulness, and he highly prizes our faithfulness to him and to our fellow human beings. Let us especially be loyal to our husbands or our wives, even when not doing so looks attractive.

PRAYER
Father, in a day when so many throw aside loyalties for selfish gain, help us to be faithful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.