Jonathan said to David… “You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command.” (1 Samuel 23:16-17)
Jonathan’s main purpose in life could be summed up by these two words: serve David. The last half of his life was spent risking it for David’s, all so that God’s purposes would be fulfilled. What if this is what God wants for you? What if you’re not meant to have the lead role, but the supporting role? What if you’re not meant to make moves to advance your own goals and dreams, but another’s?
In Chapter 20, we saw that in order for Jonathan to protect David’s life, he had to make a sacrifice, his relationship with his father. It also almost costed him his own life, as Saul turned on him, and threw a spear at him (1 Sam. 20:33). Then in today’s chapter, we see people constantly turning on David. The people of Keilah and the Ziphites were plotting to hand him over to Saul (23:12, 23:19-20). David couldn’t trust anyone anymore. And Jonathan knowing his dear friend was in deep trouble, he risked his life again and looked for David, finding him in Horesh. Then the text tells us that Jonathan “encouraged him [David] in his faith in God” and reminded David of God’s plans (23:16-17). Jonathan, who looked to be the next king in line, instead, he affirmed David that he was giving him his position, his promotion, his dreams, so God could fulfill his plans through David. This is what it looks like to give your life for the progress of another. And this sacrifice for another is not to make their life as comfortable and prosperous as possible, but rather it’s meant to help them accomplish the specific plans God has for them.
So who are the “Davids” in your life that you can serve?
Who can you give your time, physical energy, skills, resources, and dreams, so that person can fulfill the calling God has for their life?
What if your life is meant to serve your boss and not someday be the boss?
What if every husband lived to serve his wife, so that she can accomplish what God has for her? And what if every wife sacrificed for her husband, so that he can carry out God’s plans? Imagine what kind of family that would be, where a husband and a wife, mutually lay down their lives for the progress of one another.
Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13). Jonathan, and more excellently Jesus Christ show us what this love looks like. So what if your life is meant to be spent on the growth and endurance of Jesus’ disciples? And for those who don’t know Jesus yet? Isn’t this the way the world will truly know we are Jesus’ disciples, by giving our lives for another? (Jn. 13:35).