Scripture:
1 Samuel 20:5-8, 24-34
Fri, 27 August 2021

Costly Commitment in Spiritual Friendship

Observation:

How is Jonathan’s covenant commitment to David shown to be costly?

Deeper Reflection
JONATHAN CARRIED OUT David’s plan to test if Saul was indeed seeking for his life as David believed (vv.5-8, 24-34). The test situation was the monthly royal dinner which Saul expected David to be present. On the first day, Saul noticed David’s absence. But he surmised that David was ritually unclean and therefore unfit to partake (vv.24-26). When David was absent on the second day, Saul asked of Jonathan the whereabouts of David (v.27). Jonathan passed on to Saul David’s excuse, as David had requested, which incurred Saul’s “anger” (vv.28-30). Jonathan’s covenant commitment to David to defend and protect him for his future kingship was costly. It was costly in three ways. Firstly, Jonathan’s prospect of becoming king, which Saul knew that it was Jonathan’s choice – “you are choosing the son of Jesse” (vv.30-31). Jonathan’s “stupidity” is but the wisdom and power of God – the way of the cross (1 Cor 1:23-24) – which “the rulers of this age” cannot understand (1 Cor 2:8). Secondly, the great humiliation from his father for his “stupid” choice: “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman!” (v.30). Thirdly, Jonathan narrowly missed death from his father’s spear (v.33). True love is marked by giving up one’s life for another (Jn 15:13). God’s love is “loved and gave up” (Jn 3:16; Gal 2:20; Eph 5:2, 25). When David was “dishonoured” by Saul, Jonathan was “grieved” in righteous “fierce anger” (v.34).
Application:

What does it mean for me to love by giving up my life for another?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To love others as God loves
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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