The response of Jonathan and his father, Saul, was previously contrasted in Chapter 13. Today, in Chapter 18, we again see the character of Saul being contrasted with Jonathan, and as well as David. These differences in characters, as we will see, stem from the presence, or not, of the Lord in their lives.

In Chapter 13, Jonathan showed himself to be a brave man, with strong faith in God, and who initiated an attack against the Philistines. Today, in Chapter 18, we know that David was very much like him – bold and with great trust in God. And because of this, Jonathan knew that he and David had the same heart, a real relationship with God. And the two men made a covenant of friendship that was stronger than jealousy, envy or ambition. These latter emotions would be what others might have expected Jonathan to feel given that David was his threat to the throne. However, Jonathan was quite the opposite and loved David, because their common love for God was bigger than any differences they had.

In contrast, Saul showed himself to be foolish in Chapter 13, and in Chapter 18, a man overcome by jealousy. Saul had promoted David to be over the men of ward, but he was jealous of David’s unexpected popularity. Saul was very angry that David was more praised than he was, and it get out of hand. His anger and jealousy prompted him to hurl a spear at David, not once but twice. When that failed, Saul was manipulative as he set a trap for David in return for Michal’s hand. Saul’s character was flawed. He was vindictive, manipulative, he was overcome by jealousy, he was seeking revenge and not reconciliation.

And then we see the character of David. David was bold and ready to take action for God. He had great trust in God and a relationship with God. He was submissive to God and wait upon His perfect timing. David behaved wisely and went wherever Saul sent him. He behaved wisely in all his ways when praise and popularity came. He did not take any revenge against Saul when Saul struck him, and was determined to leave the situation in God’s hands.

Jonathan and David showed us what kind of character a person who professes to know God should have. In contrast, Saul showed us what kind of character a person has when God has no part in his life. As Christians, we are asked to love others as ourselves, and we are asked to not overcome those who persecute us, but to transform them through love. Do we profess to be followers of Christ? If we do, then we have much to learn from Jonathan and David, who showed us how trusting and waiting upon the Lord is far more important than taking things into our own hands. They have also showed us that love is stronger than hate, and a loving response to opposition can transform our enemies.

Is there someone who had wronged you whom you need to learn to love today? If you are finding it hard to do so, ask God to help you to do things according to His will, and to uplift the situation into His hands.

Prayer : Dear Lord, help me to trust in you, to wait upon you, and to love others around me, as you loved them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.