Read 1 Samuel 19
Highlights:
Powerful reading! A "battle" rages inside Saul between God and Satan. Does this ever happen to you? Check chapter 19! Saul is jealous, disobedient, and confused. David displays wisdom and confident faith in God.
Jonathan, the oldest son of Saul and a prominent warrior (I Sam. 14:6-14), seemed destined to be Israel's next king. In every respect, he demonstrated ability to be a great king. Being the second king to rule Israel would have been a great honor. But Jonathan recognized that David — not himself — was the man whom God had chosen to rule Israel.
In a private vow of loyalty, Jonathan and David made a covenant. . . . and Jonathan stripped himself of the robe (a symbol of his authority as Israel's prince) that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle (18:3-4). By doing this, Jonathan voluntarily surrendered all his rights as king to David.
Jonathan boldly faced his father, saying: Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel (19:4-5). Jonathan is a an example of a man accepting the will of God above his own.
The covenant between Jonathan and David was expressed in dignity and loyalty. Jonathan continued to recognize David's God-ordained preeminence for the rest of his life, and David remembered the everlasting covenant they made when he became king (20:23,42; II Sam. 9:1-13).
Joy or personal ambition cannot compare with the importance of remaining faithful to our commitment to God. We should ask ourselves: "Have I fully surrendered the things that I enjoy most in order to fulfill the will of God in my life?Am I willing to be stripped of my rights that someone else will be honored instead of me?" Perhaps someone may come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord because of our unspoken testimony.
When God calls us to go . . . into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), He provides the power to accomplish this calling. Jesus proclaimed: Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost (Spirit) is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me (Acts 1:8).
Thought for Today:
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:15-16).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, who, as a servant of Saul, suffered at the hands of the one whom he served (I Sam. 19:1,10-11). Jesus suffered at the hands of the ones He came to serve and to save. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must . . . suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day (Matt. 16:21).
Word Studies:
19:9 played with his hand played music on the harp; 19:13 bolster headrest; 20:2 but that he will show it me without first telling me; 20:12 sounded questioned; 20:26 not clean ceremonially defiled (Lev. 15; Num. 19:11); 20:30 confusion dishonor, shame; 20:33 javelin spear; 21:4 hallowed bread showbread, sacrificial bread to be eaten only by priests (Exodus 25:30; Matthew 12:3-4).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Gov. Edmund Brown (CA), Gov. Mitch Daniels (IN), and Rep. Bob Brady (PA) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you boldness and opportunities to share the Gospel with others (Col. 4:3-4).
Optional Reading: Acts 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:9