Daily Devotional for Wednesday, August 2

The Fourth and Fifth Attempts

“And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past” 1 Samuel 19:1-17.

David had a big problem.  Saul had proven himself unstable at best but more likely murderous.  It was an awkward situation for everyone.  It was apparent that God was working through David for the benefit of His people.  It was apparent to everyone that David was loyal to God and therefore loyal to the king which God had selected.  Beyond his loyalty to King Saul, everyone that David loved was close to Saul.  Saul’s suspicions seemed to manifest in waves.  It was obvious David wasn’t welcome but Jonathan, Saul’s son, held out hope that his dad and David could reconcile. 

Reconciliation made sense for the kingdom.  David had proven his military prowess over and over since the battle with Goliath.  David had not retaliated for the previous attempts on his life.  There was still an enemy out there ready to capitalize on the division among God’s people.  Jonathan tried to smooth things over, and it seemed to work for a time.  But Saul couldn’t reconcile that David had any other agenda than to take his throne.  In the last attempt Saul made on David’s life, Michal, Saul’s own daughter, saved David at the risk of her own life. 

The devil loves when these kinds of things happen among God’s people.  He is the deceiver and when his lying spirit is allowed to take root in our mind, we cannot think clearly. One week everything is fine.  The next week someone says something, and we are offended.  Sooner or later, someone has to find another church home and God’s work is hindered.  O that we would be like Jonathan and Michal! God has committed to his people the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

THOUGHT: Do you need to reconsider someone else’s agenda and reconcile with them in Jesus’ name and for His sake?

David Thompson