1 Sam. 20-21
What a difficult position Jonathan found himself in, having to choose between his father and his friend! Perhaps his decision was made easier when his father tried to run him through with a spear. But even so, Jonathan stood for what was right, even knowing what it cost him to do so. And I don’t necessarily mean his father’s approval. Jonathan’s own future kingdom was also at stake, which he was wise enough to understand wasn’t really his.
Jonathan isn’t really talked about as one of the Bible’s “greats”, but he was really a very commendable character. The Bible shows us his faith, his courage, his loyalty, and his humility. What we do know of Jonathan’s life to me really exemplifies a “Christian” life – one that is devoted to God.
Ps. 34
David liked to write songs of praise when God delivered him – a good thing, I think! And here, when he was being pursued by Saul and not being received well by the Philistine leader he wrote, “…but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Ps 34: 10b). Lack no good thing?!? It seems to me that David lacked a secure home with a peaceful existence! But he did not focus on that. He knew that, even when life was not going to suit him, God’s hand was on him and that was all that mattered. Much like the sheep back in that 23rd Psalm who focus on their Shepherd instead of their circumstances and know that, because the Shepherd is good, He will provide them with all that they need so that they “shall not want.”
And at the end of this 34th Psalm, when David is likely unknowingly prophesying about Jesus, he spells out God’s plan of Salvation. “The LORD redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in Him (Jesus) will be condemned.” (Ps 34:22)
Luke 21:20-38
When Jesus told His disciples that He would be handed over to the authorities and put to death, but would rise up on the third day, they did not understand what He was telling them. We look at that now, knowing what took place, and we wonder why they didn’t understand. But I think I know how they felt. When I read this passage in Luke 21 (and others like it), I can’t really make heads or tails out of it either. Perhaps one day it will all be obvious – a real head slapping ‘duh’ moment. But for now, when Jesus talks about “the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” and then says, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place” (Luke 21:32), I don’t know what to think.
I do think this whole passage in Luke 21 is one of those prophesies with a multiple time frame fulfillment. I can see some of it – the hardships the disciples would face and the destruction of Jerusalem – as having happened during that generation, as Jesus said. But that part about the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory…confused. This seems to speak of Christ’s second coming, which clearly has not happened yet. But perhaps it is also a reference to Christ’s ascension, which they did see. Definitely not clear to me how this happened in that generation.
I have no idea what to make of it all. But I think the important point is what Jesus told them in vs 36. “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” In other words, we need to stay spiritually awake, tapped into our source of strength so that we can deal with whatever life throws at us. For, as we see over and over again, “He who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:13)