OCTOBER 21

1 Samuel 20:35-40

                                 JONATHAN

Today’s passage is similar to yesterday‘s but we’d learn a different lesson. God’s truth is so packed with precious truths that from one passage – much can be learned. We focused on the lad yesterday; we’d focus on Jonathan today.

Let’s first learn 2 lessons from this young man. He was the son of the first king of Israel. It must have been such a privilege to be the son of a king. Kings then had great powers and so Jonathan’s life must have been one of ease and comfort. He could have anything he wanted, whether it was to eat or entertain himself with. Many in his position would have been spoilt. Was Jonathan? No, from the bible, we learn that he was not a spoilt kid, but a considerate young man. He was not one who wanted to mix around only with kids from similarly privileged background. Are your parents wealthy or in some senior position or good jobs. Does that make you think you’re better than other kids, especially children from families that are not well- off ? Of do you live in a big house or your father drives an expensive car? And because of that you have a sense of pride? Dear child, if you ever think that way – that is wrong and you’ve committed the sin of pride. This is the first lesson we may learn from Jonathan.

The other lesson is that Jonathan was a godly young man who dared to follow God’s will. It was the will of his father – King Saul – that he take over the throne. After all, that is expected! Another child would have perhaps yearned after the power and riches of being a king and wanted badly to take over the throne. But not Jonathan. He knew God wanted his friend David to be the next king and Jonathan obeyed God. Do you and I? It’s easy to say, “OK, Jonathan obeyed God.” But think how much he stood to lose in obeying God. It is the same for us. Sometimes when we obey God, it seems as if there is much to lose. We could lose an advantage, or need to put down our pride and anger, and often, obeying God is not easy. But dear child, again we learn from Jonathan – that although it may not be easy, it is always the BEST for the Christian.

Thought: Do I obey God?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jonathan. I figure it must have been tough to put God’s will above his own will, and for me, that is often true. So Heavenly Father, do please teach me to learn to love and obey Your will daily. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name - Amen.