04.20.2017 – Old Testament: 1Sa 31.2

To read the Bible in a year, read First Samuel 30–31 on April 20, In the year of our Lord 2017

By Don Ruhl

Jonathan had a good heart just as his best friend David did, for even as David honored the man who sought to kill him, Jonathan’s father, so Jonathan also loved his father and honored him. Therefore it saddens us to read,

Then the Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons (1 Samuel 31.2).

Jonathan could have forsaken his father and joined forces with David, instead Jonathan fought with his father in a war against the Philistines, and died for doing so. We know David so much better, but Jonathan, who willingly took a back seat to David, shines brightly in his own way and undoubtedly the Lord has honored him in heaven.

Questions:

• Have you stepped aside that another may shine?
• Do you love people who are zealous for the Lord?