1 Samuel 18 -- God's Attractiveness

God at work in a life is very attractive to others.  I’ve witnessed it multiple times in the lives of youth ministers, speakers at youth ministry conclaves, pastors, and evangelists I’ve known.  And it was no different with David and Jonathan.  Though Jonathan was older than David, after he listened to the conversation between his father Saul and David, Jonathan could see that God was greatly at work in David’s life, and unlike Saul, Jonathan wanted to be part of it.

 

David was popular but did not have many possessions.  He was at most 18 years old.  So Jonathan gladly shared with him even the trappings of his status as a prince.  God would even use this to “train David to reign>”  He was from a poor family, by his own admission, yet his royal friend could help him to come to understand much about kingship.

 

Saul had once had God’s Spirit dwelling within himself, and he surely felt a terrible emptiness within, having experienced the Spirit and then knowing the Spirit had departed.  Seeing the Spirit clearly working in David’s life only intensified that loss and caused Saul to target David.  In fact, Saul quickly began several attempts to murder David, but true to His faithfulness, God protected the future king from every attempt.

 

Of course, admiration and praise can often invoke pride.  Proverbs 27:21 says, “A man is tested by the praise he receives.”  My commentary said, “Praise tests and prepares people for what God has planned for them.  How we respond to praise reveals what we’re made of and whether or not we’re ready to take on new responsibilities.  If praise humbles us, then God can use us, but if praise puffs us up, we’re not yet ready for a promotion.”

 

David handled it well, remaining humble and watching to see what God was doing in his life, as God began to prepare him for the throne.  Jonathan could see that, and he could also see the exact opposite in his father.  So he went where God was working.

 

Father, thank you for bringing godly men into my life who first attracted me to You at work in their lives.  Through their examples, You’ve grown me in faith and knowledge of You.  Help me to do the same for boys and men You put me in contact with.  Help me to remain humble before You and trust You to get me where You want me to be.  I love You!

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford