Embracing Jonathan
We all know the story of David - a shepherd boy turned giant slayer and eventually became king (if you don’t know the story, check out the advent series we just did together). David obviously was able to do these things because of his faith in God, but David (like all great “superheros”) had a sidekick.
The sidekick I think of first is Robin. I read an article that said this about Batman and Robin’s relationship:
“Part of what we see in the Batman/Robin relationship is the ability to create family out of incredibly dire circumstances.”
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Now you might not being trying to save the world like Batman and Robin. You might not even be in a dire situation. You might be dealing with work or school stress, tight finances, or trying to find your place in the world. But there is a Bible duo just like them to open our eyes to be modern day “superheros”...
David had a sidekick too. His name was Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of Saul. Did you catch that? Jonathan technically was the heir to the throne. But remember, God anointed David to be the next king. Despite the fact that he was being booted from his seat on the throne, look what Jonathan did:
“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
-- 1 Samuel 18:1-5
We are always encouraged by David’s story. We’re taught to wait for God, to face our giants, and to be humble. When I read 1 Samuel 18, my instinct is to put myself in David’s shoes. Someone will love me, serve me, and befriend me. It’s so great to be David, isn’t it?
And then in my frustration, I was looking for my Jonathan. And he was nowhere to be found. Instead, I realized that I was pouring a lot into friendships. I felt I was giving people my robe, armor, and sword. I felt I was initiating the covenants and loving others as my own soul. I was sick of being Jonathan and I wanted to be David for once.
A month ago, I decided the best thing to do was walk away from being Jonathan. I decided to leave on of my “Davids” behind. As I moved away, God kept spilling Galatians 5:13 in my life: “...serve on another in love.”
And finally, my ignorance gave way and I listened to the words: “serve on another in love.” I started giving people my time and my abilities. I started challenging myself to encourage others, instead of expecting others to encourage me. I started intentionally praying for people and letting God reveal amazing things to me about them.
And then I realized that God created both Jonathan AND David. He created two people. Life as a David, clearly, isn’t a cake walk. Every David needs a Jonathan. Being Jonathan is hard too. Some days there aren’t the words to heal David’s heart. Some days you feel like you have nothing else to give. Some days YOU want to wear the armor, hold the sword, and be the anointed king.
But instead of craving to be king, I have decided to embrace Jonathan. I have decided, like Batman and Robin, to create family out of situations. I have decided to knit my soul to the Davids in my life. I have decided to make a covenant to the Davids in my life. I have decided to serve my Davids in love by giving them the tools they need for the job. I have decided to pray for my Davids.
Being and connecting to David isn’t wrong. God created both so that we can live and serve Him together, but I’ve already talked a lot about David here.
Being Jonathan gives you the opportunity to minister to David. Being Jonathan let’s God empty you so He can fill you back up again. Being Jonathan makes you feel wanted. Being Jonathan brings out the best in others.
Being Jonathan is a blessing.
