College and Career: October- December 2020

By R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

College and Career is a young adult quarterly study guide directed toward students and young adults as they venture into the world of higher education and work. This quarterly is designed for young adults and stresses the issues and concerns of young Christians. The lessons are both challenging and rewarding, and they address current day issues within society.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781681677637

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Focal Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1–7 • Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1–7; 23:1–18; 2 Samuel 9

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As young adults, hopefully, you respect your parents now more than ever. However, your parents are not as involved with whom you choose to become friends. Not that long ago, you knew when your parents did not approve of certain friends. Now you probably relate to your parents differently as young adults than you did in childhood. In today’s lesson, Jonathan, son of King Saul, was torn between family loyalty and commitment to do what was right in his eyes. Despite the fact that Saul behaved as an enemy of David, David chose to love Saul. Love is not always an easy prospect, especially in David’s situation. David’s love for Saul, who saw him as an enemy, and Jonathan’s devotion to do what was right are examples of inclusive love. God commands us to do both.

REMEMBER THIS

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good.

1 Samuel 19:4, KJV

Additional Resource

Boyd’s Commentary for the Sunday School

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1. AN ADVOCATE IN JONATHAN

(1 SAMUEL 19:1–3)

Saul’s animosity toward David was rooted in fear and jealousy. The public’s adoration of David after the confrontation with Goliath seems to have initiated it (1 Sam. 18:6–9). David had not done anything to deserve being treated as an enemy by Saul. A closer examination of Scripture reveals the king’s animosity toward David was rooted in fear and jealousy. It must have made Saul feel angry to see David adored by those who lined the streets for the victorious return from his single-handed killing. Goliath’s death sparked courage in the hearts of the Israelite army to defeat the Philistines in wake of his death.

Jonathan felt differently about David. Not much is known about how the brotherhood between David and Jonathan began. Perhaps it began with Jesse’s young son David admiring King Saul’s son Jonathan. Then after David defeated Goliath, perhaps Jonathan began to admire David for his bravery and the skill it took to kill Goliath. Perhaps Jonathan overheard David telling Goliath that Israel’s God would defeat him, thus inspiring Jonathan’s faith. Nevertheless, a friendship developed over time between Jonathan and David and they became close. So close that Jonathan became an advocate for David.

In 1 Samuel 18:4, Jonathan removed his robe and put it on David. This was symbolic of the transfer of the monarchy from the house of Saul to the house of David. By doing this, Jonathan did not reject himself being in line for the throne, but, having been led by God’s Spirit, Jonathan realized he was not next in line for the throne. In addition to being a transfer of the monarchy, it was also a covenant between David and Jonathan. By giving his armor, weapons, and clothing to David, Jonathan was indicating his loyalty to David. Though he had, in theory, given his loyalty to David, it would have been easy to pull back and choose to follow his father’s wishes, as opposed to honoring the covenant between himself and David. But the basis of their relationship was love, not political expediency. It’s no wonder Jonathan intervened on behalf of David to his father King Saul when the king decided David needed to be destroyed. Saul’s actions, hopes, and directives did not stop Jonathan from being a true friend and advocate for David.

As Jonathan intervened on behalf of David, Jonathan simultaneously stayed connected with David. On the one hand, he pleaded with the king, and on the other hand, he protected his friend. Despite how it may have looked, Jonathan was loyal to his father and loving toward his friend. Without him realizing it, Jonathan’s feelings and behaviors toward both his father and his friend in verses 1–3 became a type of guardian of the throne. The one occupying it was in distress, and the one who would soon occupy it would be on the run. Jonathan remained dependent on the Spirit of God to make decisions about David and Saul. Through his actions, David was able to ascend to the throne later, as ordained by God. Through Jonathan’s advocacy, he literally was able to change the course of history in a positive manner.

In most cases, we do not know the outcome when we befriend someone and work on their behalf. However, Jonathan showed us there is more than one way to be a good leader within history. Sometimes what is required is recognizing the godly potential in someone close to us and advocating on his/her behalf. Advocacy often is overlooked as godly work. However, Jonathan realized that as the crown prince, he possessed a good amount of influence. He used his influence to help someone else and open a door.

2. JONATHAN REFUSES TO REMAIN SILENT

(1 SAMUEL 19:4–7)

After the Lord rejected Saul as king, an evil spirit tormented Saul. This torment explains Saul’s homicidal outbursts directed both at David and at anyone defending him. Saul’s attempts on David’s life over the years were both overt and covert. Jonathan intervened on behalf of David to his father King Saul. While David was hiding in the field as instructed, Jonathan attempted to reason with the king. He initially spoke truth to power: Don’t harm him. He has not harmed you. Jonathan then appealed to the king’s leadership: His deeds have made you look good. Goliath was killed on your watch! Some of those cheers at the parade were for you as the leader whose army returned victoriously.

Jonathan then used logic: David wasn’t officially sworn in as a soldier yet risked his personal safety and killed the Philistine not with weaponry but with the skill of a shepherd. Whereas David always would receive credit for killing the Philistine, Saul would get credit as the leader for discovering David. Leaders do not always have to perform the task at hand. Leadership’s value is in part determined by its ability to identify talent and employ that talent toward the stated goal. Saul easily could have made the argument he was due respect because he was the one who chose to use David. Good leaders realize they do not need to do everything, nor need the credit for all things. Leadership sometimes requires a backseat