Daily Devotional for Thursday 30th November
Jonathan meets David secretly
We saw yesterday, God’s hand in the arrival of Abiathar, the sole survivor of the massacre at Nob. Importantly he was able to bring with him an Ephod used by the priests in seeking guidance from God. David’s intelligence sources pick up two issues. First the imminent arrival of Saul and his men and then the fickle nature of the people of Keilah, who might betray David to Saul.
We don’t know much about the use of the Ephod but it probably contained the Urim and Thumin often used by the priest in the presence of God to determine His will in relation to yes-no decisions. In this way, David checks each piece of intelligence he has received to determine if it is correct and it is. Saul is on his way and David will be betrayed by the people of Keilah.
In a way that reminds us of what would later happen to his descendent Jesus, David and his men are again fleeing from a King intent on murder. They had to keep on the move in what became in effect a deadly game of cat and mouse. And yet surprisingly Jonathan was able to find David. In contrast to the fickle people of Keilah, Jonathan is loyal. He clearly kept the whereabouts of David from his Father and to his credit, he understood and accepted that God had chosen David as the next King of Israel, even though he was the Crown Prince. What’s more, he brings reassurance to David and encourages him not to be afraid.
Finally, as more evidence of God’s hand on David, did you notice that in a relatively short period of time David’s men have increased from 400 men (22:2) to 600 men (v13)?
Time to reflect…
How good are we at keeping confidence and avoiding gossip? Thank God for loyal friends like Jonathan, who can bring us comfort in our times of trouble. Are we too able to provide that support to others?
Pause to pray…
Creator God, help us to be true to our word, careful in what we say and to avoid gossip. Help us to encourage one another, particularly when people we know are in need. May all our actions be focused on building up the body of Christ in this place. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
