• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Jonathan Gets a Clue

Jonathan Gets a Clue

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


#2In our never-take-no-for-an-answer, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps culture, perhaps it is difficult to understand Jonathan’s actions in 1 Samuel 20:12-17. We live in a world where self-promotion is expected; encouragement to “look out for #1” is covertly or overtly stated in almost every advertisement. We often look for validation in job titles, paychecks, hit counts and followers.

Jonathan is the man who, according to normal succession rules, has the right to become king upon the death of Saul. Conventional wisdom would teach Jonathan to align himself with the people who will help him gain and keep power.

Along comes David. This is the same David that was anointed by Samuel as Saul’s replacement. Also the same David who is being blessed by God in everything that he sets his hand to do. The young shepherd boy who had the audacity to think that he could take on a giant and live to tell about it becomes acquainted with Jonathan.

Jonathan faced a choice. He could accept or reject what was becoming increasingly clear. God’s program was for David to be the next king.

Jonathan’s response shows that he believed God was behind Samuel and David and he chose to align himself with what God had revealed. Jonathan’s actions show that he understood that he would be #2 in the kingdom and he was OK with that. He wanted to be right where God placed him.

The question I have to ask myself is whether I am comfortable doing the tasks and being the person God has called me to be? Or, am I questioning my worth as a result of comparing what God has me doing with someone else who is being used in a ministry that has a large following or wide influence? Am I OK with being a #2 or 3 or 10 or 150 or not being recognized at all?

We know from 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 that God so arranges the Church that every member has a role that is necessary for the health of the whole body. Some are given very prominent roles others are given roles that are hardly even noticed. Yet very role is important. The believer is to discover that role and be obedient within it. Our job is to be a faithful steward of the responsibility we have been given (1 Corinthians 4:2).

I am grateful that we have an example in Jonathan of one who was confident in God and confident in his status before God and allowed himself to be “demoted” for the benefit of the nation. As a result, Jealousy and resentment had no foothold. May it be so in our congregations.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Books of Samuel, David, First Epistle to the Corinthians, God, Israel, Samuel, Saul

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Love and Holiness

Even a cursory acquaintance with the Bible gives us the idea that as Christians, we are called to live holy lives. Scripture validates our feeling that things are not quite as they ought to be. There is no doubt that Christians are called to pursue holiness.

Why call it Christian?

Why call your religion Christian if you don’t want to obey Christ?

Several church groups this summer have either abandoned traditional marriage or are considering doing so. My question is why call your religion Christian if you do not wish to obey Christ?

Jonathan Edwards

Resolved – Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

To prime the pump for New Year’s Resolutions, a list of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions might be helpful.

Sheep

Coining a new term – Sociopastor

Why do we think a good outcome will be obtained when we put someone with any of these traits in charge? Do we really need someone who will drive his agenda for the organization so hard that there is no concern for the individual members?

Initiator

God is the initiator

We are wilfully ignorant of God. We are ignorant because we choose to be. The coming of Jesus confronts us in our rebellion and forces us to make a choice. We can choose to remain as we are or engage in the process of learning to respond to God’s initiative.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
June 2025
SMTWTFS
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930 
« May    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2025 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in