In 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 […]
Lions and Bears as Training Aids
When David volunteered to confront Goliath to take away the reproach of Israel, Saul questioned David’s preparation for this task. David responds by informing Saul of times when he protected his sheep by killing a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36). This story triggered two thoughts as I read it today. First, David was […]
God is My Fortress
Psalm 59:16b (ESV) For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Matthew 10:28 (ESV) 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. In reading Psalm 59 this […]
