The current series at Southern Hills is titled "Heros: Champions of the Faith." (Check out the stage design at my post More Foam Board). A few weeks ago Mike preached about Jonathan going into battle with his armor bearer and followed it the next week with a sermon on David's heart. In All Stars (the children's program), Corey focused on Jonathan's friendship with David.
Sitting in these three different services, I heard nothing new, but my brain made a connection with the facts that it had not before.
-Mike briefly mentioned that Jonathan was the son of Saul the King and thus entitled to the throne.
-God chose David to succeed Saul.
-Jonathan was a great friend to David. He stood-up for David to his father and risked his own life to save David's.
Really?!? Jonathan was best friends with the guy who was going to prevent him from being the next king, a privilege he was guaranteed at birth?!?
Did Jonathan not want to be the next king and thus not mind? Sure, maybe. But based on Jonathan's character demonstrated in the rest of scripture, I doubt that was the case. I think it is more likely that Jonathan recognized the will of God and submitted to it. As David's close friend he saw David's heart for God and was able to offer him support and encouragement as he prepared for leadership. Jonathan didn't allow their friendship to be riddled with envy or competition, but he humbled himself and recognized his own role to play.
What a friend. What a man of God. What an example.
I pray my heart becomes more like Jonathan's.
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