We Need More Jonathans

Saul’s son Jonathan went to David…and helped him find strength in God.  I Samuel 23:16

Saul started out well as the first king of Israel, but eventually he lost the humility and dependency on God he had first exhibited.  He knew that David was admired more by the people than he was.  His son Jonathan, who in Saul’s mind should have succeeded him on the throne, was a very good friend of David, and completely accepting of the fact that it was David who would be the next king.  This infuriated Saul, and he desired to kill David.  David had to go into hiding.

It is in this context that Jonathan came to David and helped him “find strength in God.”  It seems to me that we don’t talk enough about Jonathan.  We hear stories of the great accomplishments of David, and of course, he is the author of many of the Psalms.  He was obviously a very gifted person innately, and also one who relied on God as a source of his creativity and strength in meeting his foes.  But, consider Jonathan!

Jonathan could have been as bitter as Saul.  It would have been in keeping with the cultures of other surrounding people groups that he should become king after his father.  Jonathan did not make this assumption.  His own relationship with God was such that he knew that God had chosen David.  Jonathan was willing to submit to God’s plan without bitterness.  He was even willing to take an active role in protecting and encouraging David.

Saul was searching for David, and Jonathan knew it.  We aren’t told how Jonathan learned of David’s hiding spot, but it is obvious he didn’t let Saul in on the secret.  In keeping with a relationship of absolute trust, Jonathan did not fear that David would kill him or hold him hostage.  David did not fear that Jonathan would reveal his whereabouts to Saul.  They were closer than biological brothers, because they were brothers spiritually.

As Christians, we sometimes refer to other believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am afraid, however, that we often fall short of the relationship that Jonathan and David model for us.  We may help one another “find strength in God” through encouraging words, prayer, and helpful actions.  But, it is pretty rare to find someone who graciously steps aside and promotes someone else above himself.  I have been fortunate to have seen this, but not often enough.

We need more Jonathans! 

I need to be more like Jonathan.

It doesn’t come naturally.