Daily Manna
Uncommon Friendship
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Key Verse
“And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?” (1 Samuel 20:32).
TEXT — 1 Samuel 20:24-34
Message
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women” (2 Samuel 1:26). David enjoyed a rare form of loyalty from Jonathan that made the latter’s death in battle a devastating shock to him. It inspired the poetic dirge that told the story of genuine and sacrificial relationship the Lord desires from all.
Jonathan, the son of Saul, the king of Israel, regularly shielded David from the murderous ploys of his own father. The prince’s love for David, God’s anointed future successor to Saul, resisted the king’s scheme to eliminate David. Jonathan would not even be swayed by his father’s argument that killing his friend would make way for him to mount the throne as the next king. An enraged Saul now transferred his deadly aggression to his son, who refused to support him.
Taking a firm stand for the truth always comes with its challenges. The consequences include alienation from loved ones, loss of privileges or opportunities and risk of physical attack, as seen in the case of Jonathan. All these must not stop one from sticking to a principled position, especially if it has to do with applying God’s word in our attitude to education, work, worship, relationship or choices that matter in life.
We need to pitch our tent always on high grounds of loyalty associated with the noble standards of the Lord. The steadfast believer cannot cede his or her position if the battle is between holding forth for what is the right course of action and giving in to what is the way of the unrighteous. Our service for heaven is a calling that demands sacrificial giving, even if it means losing earthly possessions to please the Lord.
Thought for the day
Loyalty to God’s standards is eternally rewarding.
BIBLE
in one year
PSALM 89 – 91
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