September 9, 2024
When I was 8 years old, I had it all figured out. The year was 1986, and my future was secure. The way I had it mapped out, I would play for the Boston Celtics. I grew up in awe of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Dennis Johnson, and I figured if I played basketball hard enough, it would be a cinch to make the team.
To my credit, I did have a backup plan. If I did not make the team, I would change gears and play for the Atlanta Braves. Well, rest assured. Neither of those plans came to fruition. I stopped growing when I was 17 years old, and there are not too many professional athletes two inches shy of six feet tall. Of course, God knew all this ahead of time and perhaps was even slightly amused at the mind of a child.
God had different plans for me that I could have never schemed on my own. To know God’s purpose for your life is a blessing, but that does not mean it will be easy.
We read this week of Jonathan. Even though it was widely assumed he would follow his father’s role as king, God had different plans. His humility and obedience are a lesson for us all.
At this point in Jonathan’s life, he had already proven himself as the first in line to follow his father to the throne. It was what Saul desired and what people expected.
However, it was not what Jonathan wanted. After David defeated Goliath, God did a work in Jonathan’s heart. As a result, we see the great character and integrity of Jonathan on display. He recognized God had a calling on the life of David and was eager to give him his full support. He loved David with a love that went beyond a passing friendship to a deep and abiding brotherhood for life. By making a covenant with David, Jonathan was pledging his loyalty to him.
By giving David his garments, sword and weaponry, he was making a visible commitment to trust and follow him. We would all be so blessed to have a friend like that.
When we are loyal to God, it does not take long for that loyalty to be tested. The world, the flesh and the devil are constantly at our doorstep waiting to lead us to disobey God. When Saul was determined to kill David, Jonathan challenged him and reminded him that David had not done anything wrong. This took courage on the part of Jonathan.
A real friend will speak on your behalf and protect your well-being even when you are not present. Imagine if we all spent the same energy lifting people up that we sometimes do complaining about or judging them. A godly friend will confront injustices and champion the truth.
Saul responded to Jonathan with great indignation and attempted to kill him. How disappointing it is when the ones closest to you are your biggest enemies. Still, Jonathan remained faithful to the Lord and David. He understood the big picture of God’s desire to use David for remarkable things ahead.
Jonathan was content to be David’s confidant and helper. When we submit our wants and wishes to the will of God and the betterment of others, God will bless us. Even if it means never getting to play for the Boston Celtics.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources.
