Dover Assembly of God
Recapping our study of David so far...
We finished studying 1 Samuel 19 a few weeks ago, so now we're onto 1 Samuel 20.
David was on the run from Saul.
Saul had already tried to kill him a couple of times.
1 Samuel 20:1 NIV
We probably do the same thing...
How many times when things go wrong in our lives do we instantly think it’s because of some great sin that we have committed and it is God’s punishment or judgment on us?
There will be times that God will use circumstances to get our attention, but the vast majority of the time, it is NOT because of our sin. It is simply because we live in a sin filled world.
John 9:1-3 NIV
Psalms 103:8-10 NIV
The enemy uses situations like these to heap a lot of guilt on each of us.
Fortunately, God isn't waiting in heaven with a big mallet to whack us every time we sin.
Another reason for David's question was that he wanted Jonathan to see what was going on between David and Saul.
Up until this point, Jonathan was naïve to what Saul was doing.
1 Samuel 20:2 NIV
Sometimes, trying to convince a family member or loved one of something they don’t want to believe is difficult.
There are situations that sometimes we just have to give to God. He’s the only one who can change their perception.
Jonathan had 2 misconceptions...
1. He thought his father wasn’t really trying to kill David, it was just and emotional thing at the moment.
2. Jonathan thought his father trusted him completely. He thought he had a different relationship with his dad than he really did.
1 Samuel 20:3 NIV
David couldn’t explain it to Jonathan, he had to let him find out the hard way-by himself.
How often do we have to let those we care about find out things the hard way?
We can’t talk them out of it, we shouldn’t enable them in their problem of choices, we have to let them find it out for themselves.
1 Samuel 20:4 NIV
Jonathan is convinced that he is going to prove David wrong about his dad, so he says what do you want me to do to show you you’re wrong?
So David sets Jonathan up. He loves Jonathan but he needs him to see it for himself.
1 Samuel 20:5 NIV
Now it was customary for every family to hold a big festival during the new moon -- probably similar to our Thanksgiving. Every family member was expected to attend.
For the King’s son in law and leading military man not to show up, it would be an insult to both the king and the family.
David knew that his absence would be a problem. He was stirring the pot.
Jonathan didn’t think it would be a big deal and that Saul would be okay with it.
1 Samuel 20:6 NIV
1 Samuel 20:7 NIV
1 Samuel 20:8 NIV
Jonathan still believes that nothing is wrong...
1 Samuel 20:9 NIV
Remember Jonathan and David are best friends and they love each other and want the best for each other.
But Jonathan’s eyes are blinded to the truth, probably because he doesn’t want to believe it.
How often do we not want to realize the truth about someone or something?
1 Samuel 20:10 NIV
Can people trust us to tell them the truth even if it is hard to do?
Proverbs 27:6 NIV
1 Samuel 20:11 NIV
Imagine 2 guys walking along as friends. Not sure how far away it was, but going together indicates a close relationship.
The same phraseology as used with Abraham and Isaac going to Mt Moriah.
Genesis 22:8 NIV
1 Samuel 20:12-13 NIV
He promises to tell David the truth regardless of what that truth is.
As soon as he promises that, he also asks David for a favor -- If I do this for you, please remember me.
1 Samuel 20:14-15 NIV
Jonathan again knew that David would be king and not Jonathan himself.
Because of Saul’s sin, his son Jonathan who by all accounts was a good guy, would not be king.
Our sins do not only affect us but it affects all around us.
“What parents do in moderation, their children will do in excess.”
“What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” - John Wesley
1 Samuel 20:16-17 NIV
Being considered a friend to someone implies that you put his or her interest first.
Throughout this ordeal, it appears that Jonathan seemed to be the better friend. He made David reaffirm the oath. He put himself on the hot seat with his dad. He was willing to let his friend be the king. He followed God.
Are we that type of friend to those around us?
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Are we truthful with our friends, even if it is hard? Do we allow our friends to make their own mistakes and find out things for themselves or do we let them continue on in their thinking or lifestyle?