A Difficult Decision: 1 Samuel 20:35-42
In difficult times, we live best leaning upon God’s understanding instead of our own. Our heart is filled with our desires, but it cannot know the future. Sometimes the difficult road is the one leading to Gods victory. Sometimes the pleasant road leads to our destruction. God is always in the best position to bring us to a good place in Him.
Jonathan flees, knowing his father wishes to destroy David. Imagine the moment Jonathan realizes his father’s motivation. Jonathan understands his father’s rage is rooted in giving Jonathan a chance to be king. Jonathan’s sorrow comes knowing Saul rejected God and God’s plan because of him.
Jonathan goes to the field as planned, fires three arrows into the field. One of the arrows travels much farther than the others as a signal to David. Even though he is grieving, Jonathan preserves the boy he brought with him. Jonathan and David do a remarkable job ensuring others stay safe from becoming entangled in their plans. Even in grief they demonstrate great care for others.
Jonathan’s message to the boy – ultimately to David – gave a greater sense of urgency. As Jonathan yells, “hurry, be quick, do not stay!” the boy retrieving the arrows must have wondered what was happening. Jonathan had brought him out to the field for practice only to be sent back to the city in a hurry after loosing three measly arrows.
To David, the message is crystal clear. He can feel the urgency from Jonathan. David knows Jonathan fully understands. The veil has dropped from Jonathan’s eyes; he now sees his father as David sees him.
David is going into exile. He doesn’t know how long he will be gone, but he does have God’s promise that at some point he will be king over the Hebrew people. He also has the pact he made with Jonathan at the beginning of this story. He will not forget Jonathan and his family when he is king. As long as Saul lives, though, David knows he needs to leave and head into exile.
Sometimes God asks us to go to a place we don’t want to go on even though He is ultimately bringing us to the destination He desires. David knows he’s to be king, but God sends him into exile. Jonathan knows his love for David, but he must watch his friend flee. Following God is not always easy and it is not always fun. Sometimes following God feels like making a painful choice and watching relationships evaporate even though we enjoy them.
David and Jonathan acknowledging their obedience to God. They may not be able to see the end of the story, but they live firmly rooted in their belief that God is at work. They make a difficult choice, but it is the right choice. In difficult times, we live best leaning upon God’s understanding instead of our own.
