I Samuel 18-19
David was very popular. The people loved him, and he was having great success because the LORD was with him. It is interesting to watch two very different people – Saul and Jonathan – deal with David’s success. We can learn a lot about both of them by simply watching how they dealt with someone else’s success.
Saul – Saul was obviously an insecure person. He was jealous of David’s popularity and was threatened by his success. Saul did not recognize God as the supreme power and tried to kill David. He let his fear of losing his own power and popularity cause him to lose sight of right and wrong and make very poor decisions. Saul also thought he was right and refused to listen to those who tried to reason with him.
Jonathan – Jonathan, on the other hand, was very secure in who he was and in his relationship with God. He was a man of integrity and loyalty. He perfectly demonstrated what it means to love someone as yourself. Jonathan gave up his right for his friend. He was legitimately the heir to the throne after Saul, but when Jonathan gave David his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt, he showed that he was willing to give up his right to the throne for David. Jonathan also was happy for David’s success and rejoiced with him.
Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.”
Think about it:
Can others learn a lot about you by simply watching how you deal with another person’s success?
Are you secure in who you are?
Do you rejoice with others in their successes or are you jealous of them?
Are you a true friend? Do you stand up for your friends when people are saying false things about them?
Do you allow the fear of losing your power and popularity to cause you to lose sight of right and wrong and make poor decisions?
Do you think you are right and refuse to listen to others?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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...do unto others as you would have others do unto you...on the topic of Proverbs 17:17 its saying even if your mad at someone you know in your heart you love them, and no matter what you there for them, that’s a TRUE friend, someone who loves you in spite of your faults...and not for your abilities. (We all need to try better at that one.) But it’s not about being some ones friend so they will buy you lunch every once in a while, it’s about a true bond held together by faith love and basically all the fruits of the spirit.
ReplyDeleteif you are a true friend then you will always be there for your friends and help them in times of need. david and jonathon are great examples of how friends should act. jonathon was willing to give up his life for david and i think that is really cool!
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