Saturday 22 August, 2020

15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. 19 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon? 20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for giving him into your hands.” 21 Saul replied, “The Lord bless you for your concern for me. 22 Go and get more information. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there. They tell me he is very crafty. 23 Find out about all the hiding places he uses and come back to me with definite information. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will track him down among all the clans of Judah.” 24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Desert of Maon, in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. 25 Saul and his men began the search, and when David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard this, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David. 26 Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land.” 28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

David is still fighting for Israel while trying to keep enough distance from King Saul who is continuing to seek his life. I find it interesting that Jonathan, Saul’s son, knew exactly how to find David whereas his father was still searching.

Jonathan’s allegiance is obvious. He has accepted God’s choice of David over his father as the future king. The kingship will not be passed to him. Now he goes specifically and helps David find strength in God, sealing his support in an agreement/covenant.   

Recently I had 2 friends, almost the same day, let me know they were thinking of me and prayed for me as I’d come to mind. They didn’t know I needed it. They definitely strengthened me, by letting me know that God put me on their hearts.  Reflecting on this, I realise how important it is to have friends around us that can strengthen us in God, like Jonathan did with David, reminding him of God’s promise. Whether that is in person, a phone call, text or even a handwritten note, knowing that God is with me through the actions of a friend is invaluable, especially in this current season. That day, their contact changed my thoughts, encouraged my spirit and gave me a different perspective and resolve. It comforted me.  We all need friends who will walk with us and strengthen us in God.  We, in turn, can be a friend to strengthen another.  Is there someone you can strengthen in God today?

Lord thank you for the friends you place around us to strengthen us in our walk and life with you, your representative to us.  May we all be attuned to your Spirit to know who is on your heart today.  

Written by Suzie Hodgson