15. Want what God wants

Last week we saw that Saul didn't give up on trying to kill David. He really tried on several occasions and it frustrated him that he couldn't succeed. He realized that God was with David and this made him scared. But yet he didn't give up.

David caught wind of the fact that Saul wanted to try and kill him again. He mentioned this to his friend, Jonathan. Jonathan couldn't believe it, because normally his father would tell him everything. But as David insisted, they devised a plan. The next day was the New Moon festival. Normally David would eat with the king. Therefore they decided that on that New Moon, David wouldn't eat with the king, but he would hide. If the king asked about David, Jonathan would say that he had asked to go home and sacrifice with his family. If the king is angry about this, they would know that he was planning to kill him. If he is not angry, all will be well. Either way Jonathan will let David know.

As it happened Saul didn't enquire about David the first evening as he thought that maybe he was unclean. But he did in fact ask about him the next evening and when Jonathan told him he had gone home, Saul was very angry:

"You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." 1 Samuel 20:30, 31

Jonathan then tried to defend David, but the moment he did, Saul even hurled a spear at him too. Then Jonathan left, hurt and angry. He then went to tell David to flee as his father was determined to kill him.

For me it is heartwarming to see how Jonathan did the right thing. He was supposed to be next in line for the throne. His future was clear and cut out for him. And yet, when he realized that God wanted to give the Kingdom to David instead, he didn't retaliate, he didn't try to help his father kill David, he didn't cry and ask God why. He didn't do any of these things. He trusted God and did the right thing. He helped David to escape even though he knew that this could cost him his throne.

I have so much respect for Jonathan. Nowhere in the Bible do you read anything bad about him. In fact when events of his life were recorded it showed courage and an absolute faith in God. And yet, he wasn't destined to be king. It wasn't God's plan for his life. He was there to help David become king. And God was pleased with him and I can promise you that his reward in Heaven is great.

Wow. What if your whole purpose in life is to help someone else excel? Would you be okay with that? What if you are the one who needs to help others rise higher? Would you still do it?

Jonathan did and in my eyes he is a hero, a true hero. He placed his ego on the side and did what God wanted him to do. We should always seek the will of God first above all. We shouldn't be jealous of others 'making it' in this world, excelling in areas that we would have liked to excel in. We should be happy for them; we should encourage them and help them to be the best that they can be. I know it is much easier said than done. But ask God to help you, ask Him to lead you and to change your heart so that you only want what He wants. Set your ego aside, set your ambitions and need to win aside and replace it with a heart of love. Your reward in His Kingdom will be great. He will exalt you there and place you higher than you can even imagine! You must just be prepared to humble yourself here on earth.

When Jesus walked on earth they wanted to exalt Him as King a couple of times and yet He didn't want that. He didn't want that honor and prestige. He wanted to do the will of His Father. He wanted to please Him above all else. Only what He wanted mattered to Jesus. And today He wants the same for us.

Father, give us Your heart. Help us to want what You want Lord. Help us to desire what You desire. Give us the courage to help others succeed; give us the wisdom to know what to do. I know Your heart delights in our willingness to follow You without any prejudice. You and only You and what You want. Please help us with that. Amen

1 comment for “15. Want what God wants”

  1. Gravatar of RonelRonel
    Posted Monday, 03 February 2020 at 9:46:38 AM

    Ah, mal oor hierdie boodskap, ilze

    To want what God wants!

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