Jonathan, as Saul's eldest son, should have been Israel's next king but having met David, the youngest son of Jesse, Jonathan learned early on that he would not achieve that position, and readily acknowledged that David would be the next king of Israel.
What an extraordinary friendship was that of David and Jonathan. Jonathan risked his life for David and as Saul became more eccentric and determined to kill David, so Jonathan did all he could to keep David safe. By doing this, Jonathan sealed his position of never being king and in case of his death in battle, asked David to look after any living offspring. This David did by bringing Jonathan's disabled son Mephibosheth into court as soon as David realised he was alive.
Jonathan had all the right credentials to be king and he certainly was no wimp on the battle field, yet he could be so gracious in not seeking power as king, a position he rightly deserved. I find his attitude remarkable, especially when comparing it to the politics of our time.
When I was in Local Government, I really was astounded by the 'games' the men were playing to be the most powerful. It was like watching tadpoles in a tiny pond so small was our Local Government area, but still the power games were at the forefront of decision making. Reading and listening to national and world news is no different - power games by leaders or the vocal minority seem to make headlines all the time - power to rule, power to drown dissenting voices, power to stop all opposition.
Jonathan was in a position of power, yet he chose not to use it for the wrong reasons. I really admire this man and the strength of character which he showed in all his dealings with his rival to the throne. If ever there was a friendship 'made in heaven' this was a wonderful example.
God puts us in positions of power in many different ways, and we are responsible to God how we use that power. Jonathan acknowledged God's participation in his covenant with David - putting God at the forefront is a good place to start.
What an extraordinary friendship was that of David and Jonathan. Jonathan risked his life for David and as Saul became more eccentric and determined to kill David, so Jonathan did all he could to keep David safe. By doing this, Jonathan sealed his position of never being king and in case of his death in battle, asked David to look after any living offspring. This David did by bringing Jonathan's disabled son Mephibosheth into court as soon as David realised he was alive.
Jonathan had all the right credentials to be king and he certainly was no wimp on the battle field, yet he could be so gracious in not seeking power as king, a position he rightly deserved. I find his attitude remarkable, especially when comparing it to the politics of our time.
When I was in Local Government, I really was astounded by the 'games' the men were playing to be the most powerful. It was like watching tadpoles in a tiny pond so small was our Local Government area, but still the power games were at the forefront of decision making. Reading and listening to national and world news is no different - power games by leaders or the vocal minority seem to make headlines all the time - power to rule, power to drown dissenting voices, power to stop all opposition.
Jonathan was in a position of power, yet he chose not to use it for the wrong reasons. I really admire this man and the strength of character which he showed in all his dealings with his rival to the throne. If ever there was a friendship 'made in heaven' this was a wonderful example.
God puts us in positions of power in many different ways, and we are responsible to God how we use that power. Jonathan acknowledged God's participation in his covenant with David - putting God at the forefront is a good place to start.
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