[One-Verse Meditation]

1 Samuel 19:5 (NIV) He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?

[Meditation]

Saul commands his son Jonathan and all his officials to kill David. However, Jonathan, who loved David deeply, informs David of the fact and helps him escape. Then, at the risk of his own life, he goes to his father Saul and rebukes him. The rebuke begins like this: “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David.”

This statement goes beyond simply not sinning against David personally. It’s because this act would be a sin against God, going beyond David. That is why Jonathan reminds his father that David’s victory was because “the LORD won a great victory for all Israel.” David’s victory was, in fact, the LORD’s victory.

Jonathan continues, “Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man…by killing him for no reason?” But if we think about it, from Saul’s perspective, this command was not ‘for no reason.’ Seeing all the people esteem David more than him, he could not leave the situation where his kingship was threatened.

This confrontation between son and father makes us examine our own perspective on life. Saul focuses on the things he can see; they make him glad and they make him angry. But Jonathan sees God working beyond the situation and circumstances. He discerns His goodness and zeal. When we do that, our interpretation of life and the steps we take are transformed.

[Prayer]

Lord, I do not want to interpret the situations and circumstances I face just as I see them. I want to have eyes that can see beyond. And so, may I live today as a life that believes, waits, embraces, and forgives. Amen.
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[Daily Meditation]

1 Samuel 18:30-19:17