When reading about the relationship between David and Jonathan we should keep in mind that Jonathan was the natural heir to the throne. It would have been natural for him, therefore, to see David as a dangerous rival. But here again the narrator of these events is making a contrast, this time between Saul and his son Jonathan. In contrast to his father, Jonathan was not going to grasp for something that God did not want to give him. He recognised that the responsibility of kingship was not his natural right but something God would give to whom God chose. The covenant of friendship that Jonathan made with David was, therefore, also a gesture of worship toward God. Rather than trying to take control of his own destiny as his father was trying to do, Jonathan was putting his life in God’s hands. For many people life is about competition with others: competition for power, influence, attention, respect and popularity. It is a tough competition; it is addictive and ultimately oppressive. We see this oppression in Saul’s life. Jonathan, however, remains free from it. He would not enter that competition, and neither should you. People are not your competitors but your brothers and sisters. Beware of the competitive urge, even in the small things of life. Be like Jonathan rather than Saul.
Ask God to show you if you have given way to the competitive urge in any way.
Read 1 Samuel 20
