March 30th

March 30th -- 1 Samuel 20 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2020&version=NLT)

Jonathan helps David

Because of Saul's attempts to kill him, David flees. He finds Jonathan and explains what happened, asking what he did wrong. Jonathan says he knows nothing of it, so it can't be true, as his dad tells him everything. David reminds him that his father knew of their friendship, so he wouldn't be likely to tell Jonathan. Jonathan, seeing his point, then asks what he can do to help David. David sets up a plan regarding Jonathan asking his father a question, and the answer of "fine" meaning everything is okay, but him becoming mad means he does indeed want to kill David. David asks Jonathan to please do this as his friend, and not betray him to his father. Jonathan exclaims, almost seemingly offended, that he would never do that! David asks how he'll know if Saul is angry, so Jonathan tells him to come out to the field with him. Jonathan makes a very solemn vow ensuring that he will tell David the truth of Saul's answer/response. David also reaffirms his vow of friendship.

They plan out a hiding place, near some rocks, where David shall be. Jonathan says he'll shoot arrows once he knows, sending a servant to retrieve them. If the boy says "They're on this side" all is well, but if he says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" then David needs to leave right away. When Jonathan asks his father at the festival, Saul freaks out and curses at him, demanding David be brought to be killed for "being ceremonially unclean" (using that as his reason for not being there).  As agreed upon, Jonatahn sends off arrows, and the boy says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" so David  came out when everyone but Jonathan was gone. They said goodbye... and David left.

I really like this passage in regards to friends. Jonathan did not discard David because of family. Instead, he realized we are all people, and all make mistakes. He took a vow to his friend, placing just as much value on him as he did on family. Family does always come first, which is why Jonathan defended his father at first. However, friends are also important, which is why Jonathan agreed to try and help David, after David asked again. He didn't just assume his father was never wrong because he was family and since David was only a friend, he must be lying. He instead made a solemn vow to basically sort out the truth and help David as best he could. He also followed through with it. He did not give in to his father's wishes of David's death just because he was family. Instead, he stuck by David and helped him, because that is what friends should do - look out for the good of one another.

Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!