1 Samuel 20
The beginning of this conversation immediately addresses the assumptions David has towards King Saul. After leaving Naioth, David needed to know if Saul's heart had changed towards him. In trying to discover this, he is also testing the loyalty of Jonathan. Digging deeper into understanding how far Saul’s wrath and anger stretches and who it is affecting.
David and Jonathan’s friendship has been through a LOT and this chapter shows the extent to which their friendship and brotherhood reaches. Jonathan knew that David would take the throne one day, but in order to do so, the family of Saul would have to be killed in order for that family to maintain control. So in the midst of seeking Saul’s heart towards David, they make a covenant to one another that David would not kill the family of Saul (aka Jonathan) in exchange for Jonathan to seek out Saul’s heart over David.
A highlight of this chapter is after the confirmation of Saul’s intentions towards David. Jonathan shoots a single arrow to signal Saul’s decision, and it will change David’s life forever. He can no longer return home, and is a fugitive to the people who have been with him the longest. He is rejected and hated, all while being within God’s sovereignty and will. Single moments (whether good or bad) leave a lasting impact for the rest of our lives. David Guzikk makes this note about the arrow in his commentary:
“It often times does not seem fair that so much in life should turn on small moments, but a lifetime is made of nothing but many small moments!”
David’s rejection from his “family” was not rejection from God. David was not cast out of his Heavenly home. But this rejection and pain was actually a part of the process of what was to come for David - which leads to Him becoming King of Israel (and a good one at that).
What small moments have seemed to define your trajectory? How have you seen God move in those moments?
The thought of this might bring some anxiety and asking the questions “how do I know I am making the right decision?” “what if I mess it up by making the wrong decision?” The good news is that we are called to be present in today (Matthew 6:34) and that we are under the sovereignty and love of God. Nothing is outside of His will.
In what ways have you struggled to believe this? What truth do you need to remember in this?
