https://odb.org/2023/08/21/the-gift-of-encouragement-2
Unlike the Ziphites (a tribe in Israel) who betrayed David to Saul, Saul’s son Jonathan made a covenant with David before God. Jonathan encouraged David that God would not allow Saul to take David and that David would be King and Jonathan would be his second in Israel. In a subsequent encounter with Saul, Jonathan was nearly killed by Saul when he defended David in front of Saul. See 1 Samuel 20:32-42. Years later, David remembered Jonathan by giving back to Jonathan’s crippled son all of the latter’s property and servants and a permanent place at his table. See the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 21.
I think it was really outstanding and special that Jonathan stood with David and recognised God’s hand upon David. As Saul’s son, he was next in line to be King. In most royal families, the king and his heir will do all they can within their powers, which can be absolute, to make sure that the crown remains within the family. Instead, Jonathan was willing to be subservient to David and forgo his right to the throne, and eventually, David was succeeded by his son, Solomon.
Jonathan is the perfect picture of a faithful friend and subordinate. He is an encourager like Barnabas in the New Testament. It is a picture of who we can be as a faithful friend and servant to our Lord Jesus Christ and as an encourager to the brethren like Barnabas.
Be like Jonathan vis-a-vis our Lord Jesus Christ. Always be willing to bow the knee to Christ no matter how entitled we feel we are to certain things in life. Let Christ be our true king and, at the same time, be an encourager to those around us. Always be uplifting and supportive of our friends and fellow believers. Encourage them to stay the course and walk the path of righteousness to eternal life.
Ronnie's Thoughts 