Day 4

RISKING ALL

"And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth." 1 Sam. 23:17

It is easy to be a friend to someone who is popular, highly regarded or influential because it gives us status and makes us part of the 'in-group'. The prodigal son was on the receiving end of that sort of friendship and look what happened to him! (Luke 15:11-32)

On the other hand to be a friend to the unpopular, the downtrodden, the 'nobody' or the hated is quite a different matter. There is a very touching comment by Paul about Onesiphorus (in 2 Tim. 1:16-18) and his friendship which meant a lot to the great apostle. When Paul was a prisoner in Rome Onesiphorus sought him out and visited him although others had deserted him. It was a courageous act for it risked his own freedom. What a friend!

When Saul discovered that David was in Keilah he went to destroy him, convincing himself that it was God's will (1 Sam. 23). David heard of his intent and escaped to the wilderness of Kish.

Jonathan went with his father and incredibly at the first opportunity he went to David and "strengthened his hand in God" (v 16). His declaration in our discover text is extraordinary in it's determination and loyalty to the one who would displace him. What would have happened to him if Saul had discovered them? What courage, selflessness and faith!