Suffering: Bad Dads, Like Jonathan
The men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had put the people under oath, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and before I have avenged myself on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food… However, Jonathan had not heard it when his father put the people under oath; so he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb…
1 Samuel 14:24-27 (NASB)*
Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him.
1 Samuel 20:33 (NLT)
Jonathan, King Saul's son, was a hero: a brave soldier and true friend to David. His dad, Israel's first king, started well.
But when Saul disobeyed God's Commandments, the Holy Spirit disengaged from him. Consequently, Saul's mind became twisted. An evil spirit gained access to him, prompting delusions and bad decisions.
One bad decision involved Jonathan.
When masses of invading Philistines caused Israel's army to run and hide, Jonathan's courageous initiative turned the war's tide and ignited God's troops.
At the same time, King Saul ordered a fast. Without knowledge of it, Jonathan ate, and Saul commanded his execution (which was ignored by his fellow soldiers).*
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Hopefully, you have or had good fathers. Sadly, many (or most) people didn’t. Therein, consider what Jonathan did:
This standout son of a demented dad stayed loyal to him and forgave his faults.
But he still helped David in his escape, and yielded a crown that might have been his.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As you rise on entertainment stages, family relationships still matter. If you, yourself. endured bad parenting, forgive them their sins, like Jonathan did.
Your good example will inspire others, and THE Father’s love will be well-witnessed.
Suffering: Bad Dads, Like Jonathan (Part 9)
* The Chapter of 1 Samuel 14 includes the story of Jonathan's victory and the warfare of Israel under King Saul: 1 Samuel 14 NASB - Jonathan’s Victory - Now the day came - Bible Gateway
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!