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Fr. Mike zeroes in on the deep friendship between Jonathan and David and the enduring power of their brotherly bond. He breaks down the different kinds of friendship according to Greek philosophy, and points out how true and virtuous friendship is so rare and special. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 142. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
This study was taken from the April 16th, 2k25 Wednesday evening service at the Jesus is Lord Family Worship Center - 501 Redman St. Jacksonport, AR
This sermon is a part of our In Search of a King series. If you live in the Raleigh area, we would like to invite you to join us in person on Sunday mornings at 9:15am or 11:00am. We look forward to worshiping together!
Este sermón forma parte de nuestra serie "En Busca de un Rey". Si vives en el área de Raleigh, te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en persona los domingos por la mañana a las 9:15 o a las 11:00. ¡Esperamos con ansias adorar juntos!
By Every Word, 4-12-25
In today's episode, Watermark's Student Director, Jermaine Harrison, talks with Shoreline Director, Will McIlroy about 1 Samuel 20-22. They dive into an understanding of the laws around the holy bread and whether it was a sin for David to eat it. They examine the Scripture to uncover the true heart of God within this story.Additional References:Lev. 24:5-9; Matthew 12; 2 Corinthians 3; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 John 4:19Find out about Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline
Welcome to the 19th sermon in our series on the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. In the books of 1&2 Samuel, God grants his people a king, but it doesn't go the way they think it will go. Power is something every person craves, but does it ever deliver what we hope it will deliver? In God's story, power is a crucible that enables, lifts up, reveals and exposes. It is God's to grant and ours to either steward or worship…one leads to life, the other to destruction. Join us through the books of 1&2 Samuel as we look at the stories of prophets, kings and peasants being shaped and formed by God's crucible of power.
Kingsway Community Church
Kingsway Community Church
Although Jonathan initially does not think his father still intends to kill David, Jonathan listens to his beloved friend loyally and agrees to participate in a plan to discern the king's true intentions. Saul irrationally expects David at the new moon feast, and Saul is enraged when he learns from Jonathan that David will not be coming. This serves as the testimony to Jonathan that Saul does intend to kill David, but the love that Jonathan has for David in the LORD is stronger than any family tie or succession to an earthly throne. In love for each other as brothers in Christ, David and Jonathan part ways with sadness, yet united to each other in the true faith. Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church-Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 20:1-42. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
This chapter highlights Jonathan warning David of his father Sauls desire to kill David.
Series: N/AService: Sun AMType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Rocky Montgomery
A sermon by Alexander Breytenbach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ruahchurch.com
David est menacé par le roi Saül. Mais il peut toutefois compter sur un ami fidèle, Jonathan, qui va l'aider face aux menaces de son père.
Mountain update full of gleeful downloads on the parallels in the Gospel to our nation and the tumult between David and Saul.FAITHBUCKS.COM
Mountain update full of gleeful downloads on the parallels in the Gospel to our nation and the tumult between David and Saul Faithbucks.com
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20-31 /Zack Thurman
1 Samuel 20-21 New King James Version: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2020-21&version=NKJV
How did Jonathan, Saul's son, try to protect David? How faithful were they as friends?
Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected! New to faith? Click here! Learn more about Pastor Derek Neider Follow Derek on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotional Explore recent messages! This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas. Visit our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Join Pastor Paul as he dives into the life of King David and the bond he shared with Jonathan. We unpack 1 Samuel 20:1-17,35-42 and talk about Gospel Centered Friendship! For more information visit www.ONEFellowship.church. For Charleston and beyond.
Devotion - 1 Samuel 20 / You've Got a Friend in Me by Community Lutheran Church
Are you a loyal friend to the end? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, Jonathan worked on the plan, and now he has to communicate the bad news to David. Here's how it plays out in verses 35-42: In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy. And he said to his boy, "Run and find the arrows that I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?" And Jonathan called after the boy, "Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!" So Jonathan's boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, "Go and carry them to the city." And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.'" And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. — 1 Samuel 20:35-42 I assume that although David and Jonathan have made a vow, David is cautious. If Jonathan signals that the coast is clear, David would be a little suspicious that King Saul is up to something, using Jonathan as a pawn. But that is not the case. The signal Jonathan sends is that David needs to run. So, from this point forward, David would be on the run for the next 12-15 years of his life. But notice the affection between the two men. This is affectionate but not sexual and relatively normal for this time and in this culture. I have visited several other cultures worldwide where it is not unusual for men to hold hands while strolling down the street or to kiss on the cheeks (not on the lips) during a greeting or departure. But do not be distracted by this cultural nuance unusual for us in North America and miss the heartfelt emotion and appreciation these men genuinely have for each other. They are heartbroken at this moment because they are a great duo. David and Jonathan are two epic duos in the Old Testament, and if Saul had not come between them, they would have built a powerful Old Testament legacy. But now they know that, given the circumstances, this will never be possible, and this is heartbreaking for them. It's a death blow to their souls because they know this is the last time they will ever interact like this for the rest of their lives. They only have the covenant vows they have made between their houses forever. Reading this epilogue this week reminded me to cherish and invest in the relationships that God has given me while I have them. You should do the same. God has given you relationships that are present for only a season. During these times, you should invest in them, pour your soul into them, learn from them, make covenants together, and enjoy them. There will be a day when they will end, so make sure to make the most of them and be a loyal friend while you still have the time. #LoyaltyInAdversity, #FaithfulFriendship, #BiblicalBonds Ask This: How can you invest in and strengthen the relationships God has given you, even when distance or adversity comes between you? What does true loyalty in friendship look like in your life, and how can you demonstrate it to those you care about? Do This: Be a loyal friend. Pray This: Lord, help me to be a loyal and faithful friend, even when challenges threaten to separate us. May I cherish the relationships you've blessed me with and honor the commitments I've made, trusting you in every season. Amen. Play This: Loyal.
Are you finding peace in God's plan, or are you angry about what God is doing? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, David and Jonathan built a battle-ready plan to test Saul's demeanor toward David. Today, we will see how Saul will respond and how Jonathan's plan is going to work out in verses 24-34: So David hid himself in the field. And when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. The king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul's side, but David's place was empty. Yet Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, "Something has happened to him. He is not clean; surely he is not clean." But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David's place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?" Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem. He said, 'Let me go, for our clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers.' For this reason he has not come to the king's table." Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him. — 1 Samuel 20:18-23 (I share some vital commentary in today's video and audio; you may want to listen to my reading.) We could focus on various aspects of this passage, but I want to center this devotional on Saul's anger. Saul is furious because David poses a threat to his throne, which means he and his family could lose their royal legacy. In transitions like this, an entire lineage would often be wiped out because they threatened the new king and his family. Jonathan knew this, which is why he made that secret covenant with David in yesterday's text. Saul's anger has been slowly brewing against David for a long time. His jealousy is now so outraged that he can no longer see God's plan and it has clouded his vision. Jonathan can see God's plan; therefore, he is at peace with handing the throne to David, as seen yesterday. Saul can only see his own plan, and it is pretty evident here. He has planned to kill David at this meal and remove him as a future threat to "his" kingdom. Saul's anger has become so unjust and violent that it adversely affects his lineage. He rejects God's plan, acts in violence toward the innocent, name-calls, shames his lineage, and embarrasses himself before key leaders in his kingdom. And why? Saul refuses to accept God's plan and deal with his insecurities as a man, leader, husband, and father. Great men are courageous enough to deal with their personal insecurities. If you are angry today, even a tiny bit, stop and ask yourself why. Be courageous, ask the question of yourself, and accept the circumstances before you as God's plan. Then, address the deep insecurities underneath your anger before you end up acting unjustly and hurting the people around you that you love. Some of you need to stop being so irritated and angry all the time. Find peace in God's plan, as Jonathan did. #PeaceInGodsPlan, #ConfrontingAnger, #FaithfulFriendship Ask This: What personal insecurities or fears might fuel your anger, and how can you bring those before God to find peace? In what ways can you actively support and show loyalty to friends who may be facing adversity, as Jonathan did for David? Do This: Trust God's plan and address your anger and insecurities. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and confront the insecurities that lead to my anger, so I can find peace in Your plan for my life. Grant me the strength to support my friends with loyalty and love, even in difficult times. Amen. Play This: God Help Me.
Are you building battle-ready bonds? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, David and Jonathan made a vow. Today, they will devise a way to communicate the intentions of Saul in verses 18-23: Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. On the third day go down quickly to the place where you hid yourself when the matter was in hand, and remain beside the stone heap. And I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark. And behold, I will send the boy, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you, take them,' then you are to come, for, as the Lord lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger. But if I say to the youth, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you,' then go, for the Lord has sent you away. And as for the matter of which you and I have spoken, behold, the Lord is between you and me forever." — 1 Samuel 20:18-23 Entirely of his own accord, Jonathan devises a plan, promises to execute it, assesses it, and then communicates it. It's simple and systematic: plan, execute, assess, and communicate. If you have served in the military, you know this process well. Here is a simple explanation of the plan. Jonathan suggests that on the final day of the monthly meeting, David should hide in the same spot as before, near a pile of stones. Jonathan will come out for some target practice and shoot three arrows then send a servant to look for them. If Jonathan shouts out to the servant that the arrows are on David's side, David can return safely. But if he shouts out the arrows are beyond David, David needs to escape because Saul still wants to kill him. Building strong alliances in the faith isn't just a nice idea; it's essential. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we're called to engage actively in the battle for our faith. Too often, our spiritual friendships are shallow and superficial, and this is not helpful when we are in a spiritual war and feel hunted down and ensnared by an enemy. This needs to change in the church. Imagine what could happen if we committed to planning, executing, assessing, and communicating with one another about our spiritual lives, the battles we face, and the snares being set for us. Imagine the support and strength we would feel if we engaged in this kind of dialogue and process with a group of believers or merely one other man or woman in the faith. I tried it yesterday with another man, and I felt so much stronger after the conversation, and he was blessed as well. So, step up your game this week. Reach out to one friend, start the conversation, and build some battle-ready bonds. Plan, execute, assess, communicate, and see if God doesn't stir some growth in both of you. #BattleReadyBonds, #FriendshipInFaith, #LoyaltyInAdversity Ask This: How can you actively engage with a friend or fellow believer this week to strengthen your spiritual bond and support one another in your faith journey? Reflect on a time when a friend helped you navigate a challenging situation. How can you apply the principles of planning, executing, assessing, and communicating to deepen your current relationships in faith? Do This: Plan, execute, assess, and communicate. Pray This: Father, help me to build solid and battle-ready bonds with my brothers and sisters in Christ so we can support one another in our spiritual journeys. Grant us the wisdom to plan, communicate, and encourage each other as we face the challenges ahead. Amen. Play This: You Are Mighty.
Are you committed to someone in the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, David let Jonathan know he believes his father is still in hot pursuit of his life. Today, they will make a vow to each other in verses 10-17: Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?” And Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So they both went out into the field. And Jonathan said to David, “The Lord, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? But should it please my father to do you harm, the Lord do so to Jonathan and more also if I do not disclose it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies.” And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul. — 1 Samuel 20:10-17 This is a remarkable moment for six reasons: First, it is Jonathan's most extensive speaking role in all Scripture. Second, David, the most talked about man in all of Scripture, is remarkably silent in this text. Third, Jonathan takes responsibility for David's escape by devising a plan to lie to his father and king, which is treason. Fourth, Jonathan swears two oaths: that he will obtain information and pass it along, which is espionage. Fifth, Jonathan is aware this will put his life at risk. Sixth, David would swear an oath to save Jonathan's lineage, a promise he would keep much later. But the part I love the most about this text is how many times Jonathan invokes the name of the Lord. The Lord is preeminent in this meeting, mission, and moment. It made me ask the probing question: how often have I made plans with another believer in the name of the Lord? This week, reflect on the possibility of strengthening your relationship with another believer by expressing your desire to support them in their faith. Share your challenges, listen to theirs, and pray together to commit to supporting each other. Many believers have casual friends who are not committed. What David and Jonathan had was a commitment to each other in the Lord, which is what I bet you want and need. #FaithfulFriendship, #CovenantCommitment, #LoyaltyInChristunity Ask This: How can you intentionally support a fellow believer in their faith journey this week, and what specific commitments can you make to strengthen that relationship? Reflect on a time when a friend's loyalty helped you through a difficult situation. How can you cultivate that same level of commitment in your friendships today? Do This: Be committed to someone in the Lord. Pray This: Lord, help me cultivate deep, committed, faith-based friendships, just as David and Jonathan did. Grant me the courage to support and uplift my brothers in Christ through every challenge we face together. Amen. Play This: God of All My Days.
Do you have a loyal friend who will defend you? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Remember to check out the Vince Miller Show. I have included a link in the button above. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, we found David seeking assurance from Jonathan amidst his fears of Saul's relentless pursuit. Today, David is going to put this to the test in verses 5-9: David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the clan.' If he says, 'Good!' it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?" And Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?" — 1 Samuel 20:5-9 It seems that three-day meetings were regularly held in the king's house during the new moon cycles, and officials and warriors such as David were required to attend. However, David is still unsure about Saul, so he is uncertain if he wants to attend. The unresolved question is whether Saul experienced a permanent spiritual change in Naioth when he encountered the Spirit or if it was merely a temporary experience. Over the past months, David has experienced escalating threats from Saul. Now that royal orders have been given to kill David, David does not want to intentionally expose himself to the trap with the king. David devises a pretty good plan. He plans to test Jonathan's loyalty first and then Saul's. But the plan involves telling a pretty elaborate lie to test Saul's irritation with David's absence. Johnathan would tell his father that he permitted David to return to Bethlehem, the place where he was anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13), and the father to whom Saul would not allow him to return (1 Samuel 18:2). David is smart enough to know that if anything would awaken a spirit of aggression, it would be Jonathan permitting David to escape a secret snare of the throne. Even though the Bible does not justify lying, both David and Jonathan choose to tell Saul a lie. But notice the tone of the text. David accepts righteous justice but believes that Saul will not act righteously; Jonathan might, but Saul will not. So, instead of submitting his life to a death trap, they devise a way to stick at the snare. And their test works. There are extremely rare instances in life when lying is justified. However, when your life is threatened by unrighteous, evil people who have set snares for you, it is one of those instances. I would hope that if an invader broke into your home, you would lie about a hiding child. Or if you were a Jew being hunted down by a nazi regime, you would lie to hide your whereabouts because there are very rare times when the moral imperative to protect innocent lives against evil outweighs the ethical dilemma of lying. This will be "shown" further in the coming verses. Loyalty and support for believers are crucial during tough times. They have been for me. This week, reach out to a friend who is going through adversity. Send a text, email, make a call, or plan to meet for coffee. Encourage them and let them know they are not alone. Your presence will help them feel less isolated, and it might help them through the snares being set for them. #LoyaltyInAdversity, #FaithfulFriendship, #StrengthInCommunity Ask This: Who in your life has shown unwavering loyalty during your toughest times, and how can you express your gratitude to them this week? In what ways can you be a more supportive friend to someone who is currently facing adversity? What specific actions can you take to encourage them? Do This: Reach out to a friend in adversity. Pray This: Father, thank You for the loyal friends You've placed in my life; help me to be a source of strength and encouragement for them as well. Give me the wisdom and courage to support others in their times of need, reflecting Your love and loyalty. Amen. Play This: Tell All My Friends.
Do you feel the weight of betrayal? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Don't forget to check out the Vince Miller Show. I have included a link to the Show below. There will be a new episode every week. The difference between what we do here in the Daily Devo and the Show is that here, we are going to continue to work through the Bible devotional one book at a time. Over in the Show, we will tackle topics and series relevant to your life in a biblical, thematic, and practical way. I am super excited about this new endeavor, and I need you to pray for us as we launch it. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." Let's read verses 1-4: Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” And he said to him, “Far from it! You shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? It is not so.” But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.' But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” — 1 Samuel 20:1-4 David was innocent of sin and guilt before Saul, a theme that continued until Saul's death. Yet Saul never relinquished his pursuit of David. David also knows that Saul has kept some information from his son, so David discloses this deception to Jonathan to test his loyalty to him and God's plan for his succession as king. This situation is a matter of life and death for David. He has enemies on every side: people outside of Israel who want to kill him, and now royalty within who want him dead. Other than Samuel, there is only Jonathan, who appears to be a loyal confidant in the house of Saul. Do you have a loyal and godly friend? If not, you should. The best way to begin is not by finding a loyal and godly friend. It's by being a loyal and godly friend. The way to start is simply by acting like a friend. Text, email, and call to check in on your brother occasionally. Ask him how life is going, hear his struggles, give guidance, and pray for him. After a few days, check back in again and revisit that issue. Offer to help. Make a connection. Invite him to an activity. Take him to lunch. Be a confidant and a trusted, loyal, and godly friend. Then, one day, you will probably look up to see that across from you sits a loyal and godly friend in your adversity who does the same for you. #GodlyFriendship #LoyaltyInFaith #BrotherhoodInChrist Ask This: Reflect on a time when a friend showed loyalty during a difficult season in your life. How did that experience impact your faith and your view of friendship? What practical steps can we take this week to cultivate deeper, more supportive friendships within our community? How can we hold each other accountable in this journey? Do This: Be a loyal friend and gain a loyal friend. Pray This: Father, I thank You for the gift of friendship and the loyal hearts that support us in our struggles. Help me to be a faithful friend and to seek out those who will walk alongside me in faith, especially during challenging times. Amen. Play This: Loyal.
Do you have a covenantal relationship with a loyal spiritual friend? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Shameless plug today. Don't forget to check out the Vince Miller Show. I put a link to the Show below. There will be a new episode every week. The difference between what we do here in the Daily Devo and the Show is that here, we are going to continue to work through the Bible devotional one book at a time. Over in the Show, we will tackle topics and series relevant to your life in a biblical, thematic, and practical way. I am super excited about this new endeavor, and I need you to pray for us as we launch it. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In the last chapter, we left off with David leaving Saul's house, never to return, leaving behind his good friend and wife. This chapter is a chronicle of David trying to figure out if there is a permanent change in Saul after Saul's experience with the Spirit in Naoith. So David will secretly consult with Jonathan to see if it is safe to return. Of course, it's not. But the final verse of this chapter punctuates a covenant that the two men make between each other. Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.'" And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. — 1 Samuel 20:42 If we survey David's whole life, we can divide the segments of David's life into four seasons: The Shepherding Season. The Struggling Season. The Soldiering Season. The Sovereign Season. We are about to enter the "Struggling Season" or the "Hiding Years." Chapter 20 begins a 12-15-year stretch during which David runs from King Saul for his life. That's a long time! Long seasons of trials are trying. When we enter them, we often have no idea what we are getting into. David had no idea what was about to happen or how long it would take for him to move from being anointed king to his appointment as king. But he did have one thing. He had a friend, a confident, and a brother in Jonathan, and they were going to depart from each other, making a covenant agreement that would be fulfilled many years from now after Jonathan's death. Covenants between godly men are missing from the modern church. Believers have become too causal and transactional in their relationships. We enter into most relationships "to get" not "to give" and are unwilling to commit to the initiative and investment that covenantal relationships require. But every person encounters a Struggling Season. For some, this is short, and for others, it may be prolonged. But a covenant agreement with a loyal and godly friend makes the journey much easier. It's like an anchor. It anchors us to the Lord. It anchors us to a godly believer. It anchors us to an unchanging agreement. It anchors us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually when we question the future. Are you going through a struggling season? Then maybe it's time to make a covenant. Perhaps it's not exactly like the one Jonathan and David made, a lifelong covenantal promise that extended to future generations. But maybe you need to make a covenant agreement with a brother for a season. Who is that person, and what is that covenant? And if you cannot think of either, maybe it's time to take some initiative and make an investment to discover the spiritual blessings that await. It's time to bring back the covenant of relationship. #CovenantFriendship #LoyaltyInAdversity #SpiritualBrotherhood Ask This: Considering David and Jonathan's covenant, what qualities are essential for a loyal spiritual friendship? How can we cultivate these qualities in our relationships? Have you experienced a "Struggling Season" in your life? How did your relationships—whether supportive or lacking—impact your journey during that time? What role could a covenantal friendship have played in that experience? Do This: Initiate a covenant. Pray This: Father, thank You for the gift of loyal friends and the strength of covenant relationships. Help me to be intentional in cultivating these bonds, especially during my challenging seasons, so that I may anchor myself and others in Your love and truth. Amen. Play This: Back to the Father.
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❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/1Samuel20;1Corinthians2;Psalm36;Lamentations5 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Walk with us through 1 Samuel 20 at Into the Word, a radio and online program committed to reading, loving, and living the whole Counsel of God. In this program we will work our way chapter by chapter through the whole Bible. Our host and Bible teacher for this adventure is Pastor Paul Carter. If you are interested in additional resources or previous episodes in the series, you can find those at https://intotheword.ca/. If you would like to support the program or our monthly mission partner, you can do so at https://intotheword.ca/how-to-support-the-into-the-word-podcast-bible-commentary. To connect with our Bible readers and Into the Word listeners, connect with us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/In2theWord
Fr. Mike zeroes in on the deep friendship between Jonathan and David and the enduring power of their brotherly bond. He breaks down the different kinds of friendship according to Greek philosophy, and points out how true and virtuous friendship is so rare and special. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 142. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.