Scripture - 1 Sam. 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17“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.”
Observation - Though Saul was king, and his son Jonathan was the obvious successor to the throne, Jonathan recognized that David was the rightful successor because of the will of God. If anyone had a reason to see David dead, it was Jonathan, and yet Jonathan supported David whole heartedly. He yielded his personal rights to the will of God and communicated His support for David to someday assume the throne of Israel.
Application - It is hard to hear from God when something is "rightfully yours." If you own something, or someone has "done you wrong," or someone has borrowed from you but not paid it back, it is hard to hear the voice of God if he instructs you do things that are contrary to your rights. And yet, what an amazing quality to possess. To be so attuned to what God is saying that you are able to hear his Spirit communicate things contrary to your personal interests, and then support them... that is amazing! To forgive a debt, to forgive a person, to give something away, to allow someone else to take power, all because you know it's what God wants you to do - AMAZING!
Prayer - Lord, thank you for the account of amazing people who loved you that inspire us to walk in ways that aren't the norm, but are full of character.
