Jonathans warning
Notes
Transcript
Title: Jonathan's Loyalty
Text: 1st Samuel 20
D.T. Do we properly value friendship?
Introduction: We are starting a new series where we examine the life of King David. When you think of David, what are some of the first things which come to your mind?
David Slaying goliath?
David being king?
David writing so many songs of worship
David being referred to as a man after God’s own heart?
This series is going to be relatively short. Which may seem strange considering there is no shortage of material regarding David. We could spend a year on the life of David on its own. So the fact this is only a 5 week series might seem strange. The reason the series will be relatively short is because at the end of the day, this series isn’t really about King David. This series focuses more on David’s relationships, and how important they are to who he becomes. Throughout this series, we are repeatedly going to be shown 1 conclusion. David’s ability to become a man after God’s own heart depended on the quality of his relationships. This may seem extreme to say, but I think we are quickly going to realize it’s not extreme in the slightest. Instead its grounded in truth. Without quality relationships in his life David is either
Dead: A lot of people seek to kill David throughout his life. One of them being Saul. If David doesn’t have someone looking out for his best interest, he dies. Saul likely succeeds in killing him. You can’t be a man after God’s own heart if you aren’t alive to live out God’s calling on your life.
Left to his own devices This is the far worse option. David had the capability to do really bad things. In some famous cases he DID commit atrocities. What prevented David from being consumed by the evil which so easily ensnared him? It was the quality of his relationships. People he had in his life who were able to call him out when evil was over taking him. Without these relationships, David looks alot more like Saul then he does a man after God’s own heart. Without quality relationships David is a worse version of Saul. In other words David we be a monster
This series will reveal the importance of relationships.
Our first message is going to focus on the importance of quality friendships. Of all the relationships we have, quality friendships are really important. This story today outlines this in a pretty clear way. Today we are going to discuss the friendship between David and Jonathan.
Our passage is going to be in 1st Samuel chapter 20. However, before we focus on the story, there is some important context to consider.
David has slew Goliath and his brand and identity is growing. Saul is getting jealous.
David comes into Saul's service, and the jealousy grows. Eventually culminating in Saul throwing spears at David in an attempt to kill him.
However Jonathan helps smooth things over for David and Saul, and things seem to be somewhat back to normal.
Today we are going to do something different. In most cases I wouldn’t read 42 verses of text straight. However the text today unfolds as a narrative, it’s a story, and it’s a compelling story. I’ll be reading this text from the message.
READ 1st Samuel 20:1-42 Remember the overarching theme of this series? David’s ability to become a man after God’s own heart depended on the quality of his relationships. That’s proven true right off the bat. Where would David be if Jonathan wasn’t such a good friend to David? I think it’s safe to say that David likely doesn’t survive. We know that David is capable of standing against Saul. However in this passage he comes across as frantic, he feels the walls closing in upon him. David is vulnerable, and really needs Jonathan to come through, and that’s exactly what he does. Let’s examine everything Jonathan did which made him the friend David needed when he needed a friend the most.
David got out of Naioth in Ramah alive and went to Jonathan. “What do I do now? What wrong have I inflicted on your father that makes him so determined to kill me?” “Nothing,” said Jonathan. “You’ve done nothing wrong. And you’re not going to die. Really, you’re not! My father tells me everything. He does nothing, whether big or little, without confiding in me. So why would he do this behind my back? It can’t be.” But David said, “Your father knows that we are the best of friends. So he says to himself, ‘Jonathan must know nothing of this. If he does, he’ll side with David.’ But it’s true—as sure as God lives, and as sure as you’re alive before me right now—he’s determined to kill me.” Jonathan said, “Tell me what you have in mind. I’ll do anything for you.” David said, “Tomorrow marks the New Moon. I’m scheduled to eat dinner with the king. Instead, I’ll go hide in the field until the evening of the third. If your father misses me, say, ‘David asked if he could run down to Bethlehem, his hometown, for an anniversary reunion, and worship with his family.’ If he says, ‘Good!’ then I’m safe. But if he gets angry, you’ll know for sure that he’s made up his mind to kill me. Oh, stick with me in this. You’ve entered into a covenant of God with me, remember! If I’m in the wrong, go ahead and kill me yourself. Why bother giving me up to your father?” “Never!” exclaimed Jonathan. “I’d never do that! If I get the slightest hint that my father is fixated on killing you, I’ll tell you.” David asked, “And whom will you get to tell me if your father comes back with a harsh answer?” “Come outside,” said Jonathan. “Let’s go to the field.” When the two of them were out in the field, Jonathan said, “As God, the God of Israel, is my witness, by this time tomorrow I’ll get it out of my father how he feels about you. Then I’ll let you know what I learn. May God do his worst to me if I let you down! If my father still intends to kill you, I’ll tell you and get you out of here in one piece. And God be with you as he’s been with my father! If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family—forever. And when God finally rids the earth of David’s enemies, stay loyal to Jonathan!” Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David. He loved David more than his own soul! Jonathan then laid out his plan: “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you’ll be missed when you don’t show up for dinner. On the third day, when they’ve quit expecting you, come to the place where you hid before, and wait beside that big boulder. I’ll shoot three arrows in the direction of the boulder. Then I’ll send off my servant, ‘Go find the arrows.’ If I yell after the servant, ‘The arrows are on this side! Retrieve them!’ that’s the signal that you can return safely—as God lives, not a thing to fear! But if I yell, ‘The arrows are farther out!’ then run for it—God wants you out of here! Regarding all the things we’ve discussed, remember that God’s in on this with us to the very end!” David hid in the field. On the holiday of the New Moon, the king came to the table to eat. He sat where he always sat, the place against the wall, with Jonathan across the table and Abner at Saul’s side. But David’s seat was empty. Saul didn’t mention it at the time, thinking, “Something’s happened that’s made him unclean. That’s it—he’s probably unclean for the holy meal.” But the day after the New Moon, day two of the holiday, David’s seat was still empty. Saul asked Jonathan his son, “So where’s that son of Jesse? He hasn’t eaten with us either yesterday or today.” Jonathan said, “David asked my special permission to go to Bethlehem. He said, ‘Give me leave to attend a family reunion back home. My brothers have ordered me to be there. If it seems all right to you, let me go and see my brothers.’ That’s why he’s not here at the king’s table.” Saul exploded in anger at Jonathan: “You son of a slut! Don’t you think I know that you’re in cahoots with the son of Jesse, disgracing both you and your mother? For as long as the son of Jesse is walking around free on this earth, your future in this kingdom is at risk. Now go get him. Bring him here. From this moment, he’s as good as dead!” Jonathan stood up to his father. “Why dead? What’s he done?” Saul threw his spear at him to kill him. That convinced Jonathan that his father was fixated on killing David. Jonathan stormed from the table, furiously angry, and ate nothing the rest of the day, upset for David and smarting under the humiliation from his father. In the morning, Jonathan went to the field for the appointment with David. He had his young servant with him. He told the servant, “Run and get the arrows I’m about to shoot.” The boy started running and Jonathan shot an arrow way beyond him. As the boy came to the area where the arrow had been shot, Jonathan yelled out, “Isn’t the arrow farther out?” He yelled again, “Hurry! Quickly! Don’t just stand there!” Jonathan’s servant then picked up the arrow and brought it to his master. The boy, of course, knew nothing of what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew. Jonathan gave his quiver and bow to the boy and sent him back to town. After the servant was gone, David got up from his hiding place beside the boulder, then fell on his face to the ground—three times prostrating himself! And then they kissed one another and wept, friend over friend, David weeping especially hard. Jonathan said, “Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God’s name, saying, ‘God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!’ ”
David and Jonathan are likeminded
When we first meet David he becomes offended that Goliath has mocked God, and he becomes angry and desires to fight Goliath despite the odds stacked against him
When we first meet Jonathan he hears of a Philistine camp which has been a threat to the Hebrews. A camp that likewise mocks God. What does Jonathan do? He and his armor bearer climb a cliff in order to sneak into the camp. They singlehandedly wipe out the camp as a result
Both are like minded as warriors, both are like minded in skill, and both are motivated by the glory of God.
Jonathan believes David When Jonathan clearly sees how frantic David is, he at the very least believes that David is convinced that Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan is willing to help David however we can.
We need people who are willing to listen and hear us in moments of desperation. However, we also need people who believe us.
Jonathan shows us how to believe people. Jonathan is able to believe David without immediately throwing accusations back at Saul.
Jonathan believes David and assists him in verifying the truth.
Jonathan is very careful in how he verifies what David has said.
When the truth is revealed, Jonathan continues to help David as needed.
Jonathan was loyal to David. It's a good thing Jonathan was a better friend than he was crown prince. It would be beneficial to Jonathan to allow David to die. Why? Because he’d become king after Saul. However David was a threat to Jonathan's ascent to the throne. Jonathan forsakes a chance for the throne when he helps David.
When we need friends who are willing to forsake reward and gain for our well being.
The conclusion to this message is simple. Do we properly value friendship? Do we have these types of friends? David allowed himself to have friends and relationships like this. Saul likely shut everyone out.
