College and Career. R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

able to simultaneously be loyal to David, his friend, and Saul, his father.

      Jonathan refused to remain silent while injustice attempted to play out in brutality. He could have just stood by and said nothing as his father, the king of Israel, became aggressive toward his own countryman for no reason. But he didn’t. Jonathan’s efforts paid off. His father listened and made a promise not to harm David—at least not for the moment. Jonathan later had to continue to plead for and protect David, even to his tragic death on the battlefield along with his father, the king. David mourned for them both and then assumed the throne of Israel. Later King David advocated for Jonathan’s family by adopting one of them—Mephibosheth—to remain with him in the king’s palace.

      A true friend advocates on behalf of his/her friends. True friendship is found in the words exchanged when the friend is not present. It is easy to speak well of another in his/her presence. However, it is difficult to speak well of those whose safety may put us in less than desirable positions. Jonathan was a friend beyond David’s earshot and eyesight. In this way, he demonstrated the kind of inclusive love that God desires of all His children. Jonathan’s intervention is reminiscent of Jesus’ sacrifice for all of God’s children. Even beyond Christ’s death on the cross, He serves as an advocate at the right hand of His Father, the King.

       How should friends intervene when it is clear their friend is wrong?

       LESSON SUMMARY

      It’s easy to read about the unresolved feelings and emotions of King Saul and not focus upon the love and devotion of Jonathan toward the innocence of David. David was devoted to the office of the king during the time Saul pursued him. Prior to that, David was loyal to Saul and his leadership. Both David and Jonathan sought to solve the challenges between the king and David. David sought to solve the challenge by less talk and wise behavior. He was wise as a serpent and humble as a lamb, and when necessary he simply stayed out of Saul’s way, especially when the king became homicidal toward him. But it was Jonathan who sought to be the go-between and advocate for an innocent man. Despite being the king’s son, Jonathan, spoke truth to power with courage. Whenever we find ourselves being positioned between loyalty and commitment to do what is right, we too can first seek to solve differences by reconciling opposing parties. As a person matures and embraces his/her values, he/she will act on the basis of transcendent values rather than on human loyalties. A young adult believer can respect their parents even when disagreeing with them. Believing parents, by the same token, can respect their adult children’s evolving values even when disagreeing with them. Would you be willing to take risks in serving as a liaison between people or groups at odds with each other? A true friend is one who skillfully intervenes in a conflict circumstance, seeking resolution on behalf of his/her friend.

LESSON.POINT DISCUSSION If you were in Jonathan’s position, would you be able to stand up for a friend or would you cower in the face of family loyalty and personal advancement? How would you approach the situation?

LIFE.POINT ACTION What do you say about your friends? When given the opportunity, speak well of others, especially in their absence. The measure of a friend is not found in those who speak well when the other is present. Only in absence is a true friend revealed.

      DEVOTIONAL READINGS — OCTOBER 5–11, 2020

       NOTES