Bolder: A Look at the Audacious Faith of Imperfect PeopleSample

Day 4: Jonathan

Jonathan was the oldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel. Normally, when a king died, his firstborn son would take over as king. Unfortunately for Jonathan, Saul was rejected by God for his disobedience (see 1 Samuel 15), so God chose David to replace him as king. David was patient and waited for God’s timing to take the throne instead of forcing himself into that position before Saul’s reign ended.

Imagine being Jonathan in this situation. You’re a prince. Your father is the king. You live in a palace, you’re life is good. Then your dad makes some bad choices and messes up your future. How would you feel about the one who had been selected to take the throne after your father instead of you?

However Jonathan felt at first, we see that he and David become best friends. Saul, who actually becomes David’s father-in-law, has a complicated and really up-and-down relationship with David. Sometimes it seems he likes David, but then on more than one occasion, he attempts to kill him.

But Jonathan never wavers. He stays true as a friend and as an ally. In 1 Samuel 20, we read about how he warns David to go on the run from his father, Saul, as he was out to kill David (again). Imagine how hard that must have been for Jonathan. He knew his right to the throne was being given to David by God. He had to play middleman between his dad, the current king, and his buddy, the future king. He had to pick a side and still honor the other person. And Jonathan did choose a side: He sided with the one that God had chosen. He decided to go along with what God was doing. It didn't make his life easier, but his life ended with his character intact.

Jonathan’s boldness looked ahead. He knew he wouldn’t be king and that his father Saul’s line as royalty was ending. His father didn’t set him up well, but Jonathan looked to the future and set up his own son. He chose to accept a background role in God’s big picture, refusing the jealousy he saw his father act on, and as a result, his own son reaped the benefits.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. Do you know anyone whose boldness does more good for themselves than for others? How do you feel about that person’s character?

2. What is one way you can be bold on behalf of someone else?