JONATHAN
We read very little about Jonathan in the Bible. Yet, the friendship between David and Jonathan has been cited as the most shining one , not only in the Bible but also in the other top world literatures. Above all, he was 100% loyal to God's objectives and plan and showed no hestitation to give up what he is naturally entitled to. I wish to share with you two extraordinary qualities in him that stand as an eloquent proof that Jonathan was different from others.
Point No.1 Jonathan was the eldest son of king Saul. In other words, he was the prince of wales, the next eligible person to succeed the throne of Judea. He was a great warrior and won decisive victories against Philistines. But the Lord planned otherwise. He decided to take away the kingdom from Jonathan's father, Saul and give it to David. He revealed his plan to everyone including Saul through prophet Samuel. This made Saul to hate David. Since then he was looking for an opportunity to kill David. He wanted his son Jonathan to support his mission. Whenever he met David, he treated him badly and used harsh language against him. But Jonathan was grieved at the way his friend was treated by his father (I Samuel 20/34). In the event of David becoming the king, Jonathan could never dream of inheriting the throne, though he was the rightful and competent successor. But he never bothered about the kingdom slipping from his hands. He knew the will of God. He wanted this should be upheld and implemented at any cost. Therefore he never showed any sign of disappointment, whatsoever. He was too happy to do God's will though it meant losing the kingdom itself. What is more surprising is that he felt sorry for David and grieved in his heart, when David was ill treated by Saul. He had no ill feelings towards him. This simply thrills everyone.
Point No.2 When David ran away from Saul's palace to save his life, Jonathan met David secretly outside the town and said to him, "Don't be afraid. You will be king over Israel (one day). I will be second to you" [I Samuel 23:17]. Jonathan was a Prince in the palace. He was the master. David was a humble servant. Yet, Jonathan said that he would work under David once he became the king. A person who is legally entitled to become No.1 in the country says that he is willing to work under a person who is subordinate to him. We always want prominence. We want to be identified and recognised wherever we go. We are not willing to give up our positions. We never bother about God's plan. But Jonathan displayed a great sense of humility and willingness to obey God's commandments.
Though Jonathan is a little known and less familiar person, we learn great and significant lessons from him. We may also pray to God to grant us such noble qualities.
We read very little about Jonathan in the Bible. Yet, the friendship between David and Jonathan has been cited as the most shining one , not only in the Bible but also in the other top world literatures. Above all, he was 100% loyal to God's objectives and plan and showed no hestitation to give up what he is naturally entitled to. I wish to share with you two extraordinary qualities in him that stand as an eloquent proof that Jonathan was different from others.
Point No.1 Jonathan was the eldest son of king Saul. In other words, he was the prince of wales, the next eligible person to succeed the throne of Judea. He was a great warrior and won decisive victories against Philistines. But the Lord planned otherwise. He decided to take away the kingdom from Jonathan's father, Saul and give it to David. He revealed his plan to everyone including Saul through prophet Samuel. This made Saul to hate David. Since then he was looking for an opportunity to kill David. He wanted his son Jonathan to support his mission. Whenever he met David, he treated him badly and used harsh language against him. But Jonathan was grieved at the way his friend was treated by his father (I Samuel 20/34). In the event of David becoming the king, Jonathan could never dream of inheriting the throne, though he was the rightful and competent successor. But he never bothered about the kingdom slipping from his hands. He knew the will of God. He wanted this should be upheld and implemented at any cost. Therefore he never showed any sign of disappointment, whatsoever. He was too happy to do God's will though it meant losing the kingdom itself. What is more surprising is that he felt sorry for David and grieved in his heart, when David was ill treated by Saul. He had no ill feelings towards him. This simply thrills everyone.
Point No.2 When David ran away from Saul's palace to save his life, Jonathan met David secretly outside the town and said to him, "Don't be afraid. You will be king over Israel (one day). I will be second to you" [I Samuel 23:17]. Jonathan was a Prince in the palace. He was the master. David was a humble servant. Yet, Jonathan said that he would work under David once he became the king. A person who is legally entitled to become No.1 in the country says that he is willing to work under a person who is subordinate to him. We always want prominence. We want to be identified and recognised wherever we go. We are not willing to give up our positions. We never bother about God's plan. But Jonathan displayed a great sense of humility and willingness to obey God's commandments.
Though Jonathan is a little known and less familiar person, we learn great and significant lessons from him. We may also pray to God to grant us such noble qualities.
Very nice information about Jonathan..Its such a great quality of values that should be meditated in the heart and inculcate in our life...
ReplyDeleteJeba,Bangalore.
In the Pulpits, we normally hear about great people and seldom hear about the insignificant people from the Holy Bible. I appreciate the efforts of Bro Joseph who spends time to identify the small ones, make researxh on them, write abt them and say how their lives set an example to us. Thank you and GOD bless yr efforts. Insignificant stone becomes corner stone. - John Samuel, Madras
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