1 Samuel 23: 14-18 - David stayed in the desert
strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after
day Saul searched for him, but God did not give
David into his hands. While David was at
Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his
life. And Saul's son
Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in
God. "Don't be afraid," he
said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul
knows this." The two of them made a
covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David
remained at Horesh.
David had heard that the Israelite town of Keilah was being
attacked by Saul…so he prayed to God for direction. In fact…he prayed twice...cause
his men were overwhelmed by how many they were outnumbered by. David knew the
battle was in God’s hands…so he encouraged his men…allowed God to go before
them and win the battle….confiscate all their livestock….then stayed in dessert
strongholds and the hills of Ziph. When Saul found out…he chased David with no success….even
though he was seemingly trapped in a walled city at one point. The attacks
continued until Saul found out that his own land was being attacked by the
Philistines…and left David alone for a time.
God sent a comforter to David...his best friend
Jonathan. They were allowed what is
recorded as the last visit together…a time that Jonathan encouraged David in
his faith. They must have hugged each
other and discussed old times. They
might have asked those hard questions…wondering if they had done anything to
cause this crazy situation. But the
scripture says one thing for sure…Jonathan knew that David was to be king
instead of him…and he accepted it….even felt a peace about the whole
matter. In what must have been an
emotional moment for both of them….Jonathan claimed and reaffirmed the promise
of God…and the secret anointing on David to be king.
The story models for us how we should all find someone to
encourage. We should seek out our best
friends….support the community where we worship…and seek out even strangers to
share the faith of God with. We should mimic
the example Jonathan set before us as he gave up his royal rights to a humble
shepherd boy…because he knew God had created him for another purpose. We should all cry out to God to lead us to
the ones he would have us encourage …and pray for him to give us the wisdom and
strong faith that Jonathan had to say… “Don’t be afraid!”
Father…I thank you for this story …that reminds me to be an
encourager…and trust that you will send me a person to encourage me when I need
it. Help me to build my faith in you…and be sure of my purpose…so I can be bold
and courageous like Jonathan. Give me
ears to listen like David…so I will recognize your messenger when he comes.
Amen.
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