"You Were Very Dear to Me" - Conclusion

 David never forgot his vow to Jonathan. Years later he sought out and took care of Jonathan's disabled son, Mephibosheth. (2 Samuel 9:1-13) Clearly, David had learned much from Jonathan's loyalty and honor and his willingness to stick loyally to a friend even when such loyalty came at a high price. Will we learn such lessons as well? Can we seek out friends like Jonathan? Can we show such friendship ourselves? If we help our friends to build and strengthen their faith in Jehovah, if we put our loyalty to God first, and if we remain loyal instead of seeking our own interests, we will be the kind of friend that Jonathan was. And we will imitate his faith.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -Was It aa Sexual Relationship? 

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"You Were Very Dear to Me" - Continue

 Jonathan went to battle at his father's side against the Philistines, avowed enemies of Israel. He could fight alongside his father in good conscience, for he did not let his father's wrongs get in the way of his own service to Jehovah. He fought bravely and loyally as he always had, but the battle went badly for Israel. Saul's wickedness had extended even to spiritism, a capital offense under God's Law, so Jehovah was no longer blessing Saul. Three of Saul's sons, including Jonathan were killed in battle. Saul was wounded and took his own life. - 1 SAMUEL 28:6-14; 312-6.

David was stricken with grief. That bighearted man even grieved for Saul, who had caused him so much misery and hardship! David wrote a dirge over Saul and Jonathan. Perhaps the most touching words relate to David's beloved mentor and friend: "I am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan; you were very dear to me. More wonderful was your love to me than the love of a women." - 2 SAMUEL 1:26. 

Next time: "You Were Very Dear to Me" - Conclusion

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"You Were Very Dear to Me" -Continue

 "Do not be afraid" Jonathan told his young friend. He added this reassurance: "My father Saul will not find you." On what was that reassurance based? On Jonathan's deep faith that Jehovah's purpose would succeed. He went on: "You will be king over Israel." The prophet Samuel had been commissioned to say that years earlier, and Jonathan now reminded David that Jehovah's word is always reliable. And how did Jonathan see his own future? "I will become second to you." What priceless humility the man showed! He would be content to serve under the command of this man who was 30 years his junior, to serve as his supportive right hand! Jonathan concluded: "My father Saul also knows that." (1 Samuel 23:17, 18) In his heart, Saul knew that he was doomed to lose this fight against the man Jehovah had chosen to be the next king!

In the years that followed, David surely looked back often and fondly on that meeting. It was their last. Sadly, Jonathan's hope to become second to David was never realized. 

Next time: "You Were Very Dear to Me" -Continue 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - "Your Were Very Dear to Me"

 Saul's hatred for David grew into an obsession. Jonathan was helpless as he watched his father descend into a king of madness, amassing his army and leading it around the country, seeking to destroy one innocent man. (1 Samuel 24:1, 2, 12-15; 26:20) Did Jonathan take part? Interestingly, the Scriptures never mention him in connection with any of those misguided campaigns. Jonathan's loyalty to Jehovah, to David and to his own oath of friendship made such a thing impossible.

His feelings for his young friend never changed. In time, he found a way to meet David again. It was in Horesh, which means "Wooded Place." Horesh was in a wild mountainous region likely a few miles southeast of Hebron. Why did Jonathan risk going out to see this fugitive? The Bible tells us that his motive was to help David "find strength in Jehovah." (1 Samue 23:16) How did Jonathan do so?

Next time: "You Were Very Dear to Me" - Continue

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The Price of Loyalty - Conclusion

 The next morning, Jonathan went out into the field near David's hiding place. He fired off an arrow as agreed, letting David know that Saul was still intent on killing him. Then Jonathan sent his attendant back into the city. He and David were alone, so they had a fleeting chance to talk. Both men wept, and Jonathan sadly saw his young friend off as David started his new life as a refugee. - 1 SAMUEL 20:35-42. 

Jonathan's loyalty passed the test of self-interest. Satan, the enemy of all faithful, would surely have loved to see Jonathan follow in Saul's steps and put his own ambitions for power to glory first. Remember, Satan loves to appeal to the selfish inclinations of humans. He succeeded with Adam and Eve, our first parents. (Genesis 3:1-6) Yet he failed with Jonathan. How frustrated Satan must have been! Will you resist similar attempts? We live in times when selfishness is epidemic. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Will we learn from Jonathan's selfless, loyal spirit? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - "You Were Very Dear to Me" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Price of Loyalty

 Jonathan tried again to reconcile Saul with David but he had even less success. David came to see Jonathan in secret, revealing that he feared for his own life. "There is only a step between me and death!" he told his older friend. Jonathan agreed to test out his father's feelings on the matter and let David know where things stood. While David hid, Jonathan would signal him the news by using a bow and arrows. Jonathan asked only to swear to this promise: "Never withdraw your loyal love from my household, even when Jehovah wipes out all the enemies of David from the face of the earth." David agreed that he would always look out for those of Jonathan's household. - 1 SAMUEL 20:3, 13-27.

Jonathan tried to speak well of David to Saul, but the king became enraged! He called Jonathan a "son of a rebellious woman" and derided his loyalty to David as shameful to the family. He tried to appeal to Jonathan's self-interest: "As long as the son of Jesse is alive on the earth, you and your kingship will not be firmly established." Unmoved, Jonathan again pleaded with his father: "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" Saul exploded in violence! Though aged, Saul was still a mighty warrior. He hurled a spear at his son! Practiced though he may have been, he missed. Deeply hurt and humiliated, Jonathan left in anger. - 1 SAMUEL 20:24-34. 

Next time: The Price of Loyalty - Conclusion

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The Challenge of Conflicting Loyalties - Conclusion

 Jonathan spoke up: "The king should not sin against his servant Daviid, for he has not sinned against you and what he has done for you had benefited you. He risked his lif3e to strike down the Philistine, so that Jehovah brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and you were overjoyed. So why should you sin against innocent blood in having David put to death for no reason?" In a rare moment of reasonableness, Saul listened to Jonathan and even swore not to harm David. But Saul was not a man of his word. After David had more successes, Saul was so full of jealous rage that he hurled a spear at him! (1 Samuel 19:4-6, 9, 10) But David escaped and fled Saul's court.

Have you ever faced conflicting loyalties? It can be very painful. In such situations, some would advise you that family should always come first. But Jonathan knew better.  How could he side with his father when David was a loyal, obedient servant of Jehovah? So Jonathan let his loyalty to Jehovah rule his decision. That was why he stood up for Davide. Still, although Jonathan's loyalty to God came first, he proved loyalty to his father by counseling him honestly instead of telling him what he wanted to her. Each one of us would benefit by imitating the way Jonathan showed loyalty. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Price of Loyalty

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The Challenge of Conflicting Loyalties

 At first, Saul was very fond of David and placed him in charge of his army. Before long, though, Saul fell victim to the very enemy that failed to conquer Jonathan-jealousy. David met with victory after victory against Israel's enemies, the Philistines. David thus won praise and admiration. Some women of Israel even sang: "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." Saul did not like that song.  "From that day on," we read, "Saul was always looking at David suspiciously." (1 Samuel 18:7, 9) He feared that David would try to take the kingship away from. That was foolish on Saul's part. True, David knew that he was to succeed Saul, but he never even considered supplanting Jehovah's anointed king while the man still reigned!

Saul schemed to get David killed in battle, but nothing worked. David kept winning battles and growing in the esteem of the people. Saul's next move was to try to unite his household-all his servants and his eldest son-in a plot to kill David! Imagine how sick at heart Jonathan must have been to see his father act that way! (1 Samuel 18:25-30; 19:1) Jonathan was a loyal son, but he was also a loyal friend. Now that those loyalties seemed to be in conflict, which one should win out? 

Next time: The Challenge of Conflicting Loyalties - Conclusion 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Foundation of Friendship -Conclusion

 The covenant they made was a real protection for their friendship. How so? You see, David knew what Jehovah had in store for him: He was to become the next king of Israel! Did he withhold the knowledge from Jonathan? Hardly! A good friendship such as theirs thrives on open communication, not on secrets and lies. How might learning of David's prospect have affected Jonathan? What if Jonathan had cherished a hope of becoming king one day and righting his father's wrongs? The Bible tells us nothing about any internal struggle Jonathan may have had; it tells us only of what truly matters, Jonathan's loyalty and his faith. He could see that Jehovah's spirit was with David. (1 Samuel 16:1, 11-13) So Jonathan fulfilled his oath and continued to view David, not as his rival, but as his friend. Jonathan wanted to see Jehovah's will done. 

That friendship turned out to be a great blessing. What can we learn from Jonathan's faith? Any servant of God does well to see the value of friendship. Our friends need not match our age or background, but they can do us enormous good if they have genuine faith. Jonathan and David were able to strengthen and encourage each other many times. And they would both need such help, for their friendship was about to face even greater tests.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -The Challenge of Conflicting Loyalties

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -The Foundation of Friendship - Continue

 That background may help us to understand what drew Jonathan to young David. Jonathan saw David's great faith. Remember, unlike those in Saul's army, David was undaunted by Goliath's colossal size. He reasoned that going into battle bearing Jehovah's name made him more powerful than Goliath with all his weaponry. - 17:45-47.

Years earlier, Jonathan had reasoned similarly. He was sure that two men-he and his armor-bearer-could attack and defeat an entire garrison of armed soldiers. Why? "Nothing can hinder Jehovah," Jonathan said. (1 Samuel 14:6) So Jonathan and David had much in common: strong faith in Jehovah and deep love for him. That was the ideal basis for friendship between two men. Even though Jonathan was a mighty prince and nearing 50 years of age, while David was a humble shepherd and likely not yet 20 years old, those differences between them did not matter. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Foundation of Friendship - Conclusion

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -The Foundation of Friendship

 How could a friendship form so quickly? The answer has to do with the basis for friendship. Consider some background. Jonathan was living through a difficult time. His father, Saul, had been changing over the years, and ever for the worse. Once a humble obedient man of faith, Saul had become an arrogant, disobedient king. - 1 SAMUEL 15:17-19, 26.

The changes in Saul must have troubled Jonathan deeply, for he was close to his father. (1 Samuel 20:2) Jonathan likely wondered what harm Saul could bring on Jehovah's chosen nations. Might the king's disobedience lead his subjects astray and cost them Jehovah's favor? Without a doubt, those were hard times for a man of faith like Jonathan.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Foundation of Friendship - Continue 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - "Bound Together in Close Friendship

 Jonathan's reaction might surprise you. We read: "As soon as David had finished speaking to Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship, and Jonathan began to love him as himself." Jonathan gave David his own fighting gear, including his bow-quite a gift, for Jonathan was a renowned archer. What is more Jonathan and David made a covenant, a solemn agreement, that bound them together as friends who would support each other. - 1 SAMUEL 18:1-5. 

Thus began one of the greatest friendships described in the Bible. Friendship is important to people of faith. If we choose friends wisely and become a supportive, loyal friend, we can strengthen our faith during these unloving times. (Proverbs 27:17) So let us see what we can learn about friendship from Jonathan.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - The Foundation of Friendship

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -"Bound Together in Close Friendship"

 The battle was over, and quiet descended over the valley of Elah. As the tents of the army encampment rustled in the afternoon breeze, King Saul held an audience. His eldest son Jonathan was in attendance, and a youthful shepherd was excitedly recounting his tale. The youth was David, and he was full of zeal and enthusiasm. Saul listened with rapt attention, handing on to David's every word. How, though, did Jonathan feel? He had won victories in his long career of serving in Jehovah's army. But today's victory did not belong to Jonathan; it belonged to this youth. David had killed the giant Goliath! Was Jonathan jealous of the glory being heaped on David? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -"Bound Together in Close Friendship" - Conclusion

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"JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Conclusion

 Finally, Saul and his soldiers found their courage. With a mighty battle cry, they rushed against the Philistines. The battle turned out just as David told Goliath that it would: "Jehovah . . . will give all of you into our hand." - 1 SAMUEL 17:47, 52, 53.

Today, servants of God do not engage in warfare. That time has passed. (Matthew 26:52) Still, we do need to imitate the faith of David. Like him, we need to see Jehovah as real-as the only God to serve and hold in awe. We may, at times, feel small in comparison to our problems, but our problems are small compared to Jehovah's limitless power. If we choose Jehovah as our God and we put faith in him as David did, then no challenge, no problem, need daunt us. Nothing is beyond the power of Jehovah to conquer!

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - "Bound Together in Close Friendship"

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"JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Continue

  David ran down his foe, reaching into his bag for a stone. He loaded his sling and whirled it over his head until it fairly whistled. Goliath, perhaps close behind his shield-bearer, advanced toward David. Goliath's great height may actually have been a disadvantage for him. since a shield-bearer of normal size could hardly have a shield high enough to protect the giant's head. Ahd that is where Davide aimed. - 1 SAMUEL 17:41. 

David released his stone. Imagine the silence as it hurtled toward its mark. Jehovah doubtless made sure that David would not have to fling another one. The stone struck home, sinking into Goliath's forehead. The colossus topped to the earth, facedown! The shield-bearer likely fled in terror. David approached, took Goliath's own sword, and cut off the giant's head with it. - 1 SAMUEL 17:48-51. 

Next time: "JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Conclusion

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"JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Continue

 To this day, David's response stands as a great statement of faith. Just imagine the young man calling out to Goliath: "You are coming against me with a sword and speak and javelin, but I am coming against you in the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle line of Israel, whom you have taunted." David knew that human power and weaponry mattered little. Goliath has shown disrespect for Jehovah God, and Jehovah would respond. As David put it, "the battle belongs to Jehovah." - 1 SAMUEL 17:45-47.

David was not blind to Goliath size or his weapons. Yet David refused to let such things daunt him. He did not make the mistake that Saul and the members of his army did. David did not compare himself to Goliath. Instead, he looked at Goliath. Instead, he looked at Goliath in comparison with Jehovah. Standing some nine and a half feet (2.9 m) tall, Goliath towered over other men, but how big was he compared to the Sovereign of the universe? Really, like any human, his was barely more than insect-in this case, one that Jehovah was ready to exterminate!

Next time: "JEHOVAH WILLSURENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Continue

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"JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" -Continue

 Thus equipped, David hurried to meet his foe. We can only imagine David's fervent prayers as he stooped in the dry riverbed on the valley floor and collected five small, smooth stones. Then he went out onto the field of battle not walking but running!

When Goliath saw his opponent, what did he think?  "He sneered at him in contempt," we read, "Because he was just a ruddy and handsome boy." Goliath boomed out: "Am I a dog, so that you are coming against me with sticks?" Evidently, he saw David's staff but took no note of the sling. He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods and vowed to free the corpse of this contemptible foe to the birds and beasts of the field. - 1 SAMUEL 17:41-44. 

Next time: "JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Continue

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"JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND"

 At first, Saul tried to outfit David with his own armor. It was much like Goliath's, made of copper, and it likely included a large hauberk or shirt of mail, composed of overlapping scales. However, David tried moving about while wearing that large and cumbersome equipment and soon found that it would not work for him.  He was not trained as a soldier, so he was not used to wearing armor, especially the armor that was worn by Saul, who was the tallest man in the nation of Israel! (1 Samuel 9:2) He removed it all and chose the garb he was used to wearing-that of a shepherd equipped to protect his flock. - 1 SAMUEL 17:38-40. 

David carried his shepherd's staff, a bag over his shoulder, and a sling. Now a sling might not seem like much, but it was in fact a formidable weapon. Consisting of a small pouch at the end of two long leather straps, it was an ideal weapon for a shepherd. He would place a stone in the pouch, whirl it over his head at great speed, and then release one of the straps, hurling the stone with lethal accuracy. So effective was this weapon that armies sometimes used divisions of slingers. 

Next time: "JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" - Continue

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"LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" - Conclusion

 David reassured Saul by recounting what had happened with the lion and the bear. Was he boasting? No. David knew how he had won those battles. He said: "Jehovah, who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear, he is the one who will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." Resigned at last, Saul responded: "Go, and may Jehovah be with you." - 1 SAMUEL 17:37. 

Would you like to have faith like David's Note, then, that David's faith was not mere idealism or wishful thinking.  He had faith in his God because of knowledge and experience. He knew that Jehovah as a loving Protector and a Keeper of promises. If we want to acquire such faith, we need to keep learning about the God of the Bible. As we live by what we learn, will find that the good results will likewise strengthen our faith. - HEBREWS 11:1. 

Next time: "JEHOVAH WILL SURRENDER YOU INTO MY HAND" 

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"LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" - Continue

 David spoke these encouraging words to the king about Goliath: "Let no one lose heart because of him." Saul and his men had indeed lost heart because of Goliath. Perhaps they had made the natural mistake of comparing themselves to that huge man, picturing how they came up to the man's midriff or chest. They imagined that armored giant making short work of them. But David did not think that way. As we see, he saw a problem in a completely different light. So he offered to fight Goliath himself. - 1 SAMUEL 17:32.

Saul objected: "You are not able to go fight against this Philistine, for you but a boy, and he has been a soldier from his youth." Was David really a child? No, but he was too young to join the army, and he had been youthful looking. But David was already known as a valiant fighter and may have been in his late teens by this time. - 1 SAMUEL 16:18; 17:33.

Next time: "LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" - Conclusion

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"LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM"

While serving Saul, David often returned home to shepherd the sheep, sometimes for extended periods. It was during one such period that Jesse sent David to check on his three oldest sons, who were serving in Saul's army. Obediently David, laden with supplies for his brothers, headed to the valley of Elah. When he arrived, he was dismayed to find the two armies locked in a stalemate described at the outset of this article. They faced each other from the opposing slopes of that wide curved valley. - 1 SAMUEL 17:1-3, 15-19. 

To David, the situation was not tolerable. How could the army of the living God, Jehovah, flee in terror from a mere man-and a pagan at that? David saw how Goliath's taunts as direct insult to Jehovah. So he began talking eagerly to the soldiers about defeating Goliath. Before long, David's brother, Eliab, got wind of David's talk. He rebuked his younger brother harshly, accusing him of being there only to witness the carnage of the battle. But David answered him: "What have I done now? I was only asking a question!" Then he went right on speaking confidently about defeating Goliath, until someone repeated his words to Saul. The king ordered David to be brought before him. - 1 SAMUEL 17:23-31. 

Next time: "LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" 

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"ANOINT HIM, THIS IS THE ONE!" - Conclusion

Did David begin to cultivate ambitions about the kingship? No, he was content to wait on the leading of Jehovah's spirit to let him know when it was time to assume greater responsibilities. In the meantime, he continued his humble work of shepherding. It was a work that he carried out with great dedication and courage. His father's flocks were threatened on two occasions, once by a lion ad once by a bear.  David did not simply try to drive off those predators from a safe distance. Rather, he leaped right into the fray to defend his father's helpless sheep. Both times, he single -handedly killed the ferocious wild beast! - 1 SAMUEL 17:34-36; ISAIAH 31:4.

In time, David was summoned again. His reputation had reached the ears of King Saul. Though still a powerful warrior, Saul had lost Jehovah's favor by rebelling against God's instructions. Jehovah had withdrawn his spirit from Saul, and thus the king was often subject to a bad spirit-fits of anger, suspicion, and violence. When this bad spirit was upon Saul, one thing that could sooth him was music. Some of Saul's men had learned of David's reputation as a musician as a fighter. So David was summoned, and he soon became one of Saul's court musicians and armor-bearers. - 1 SAMUEL 15:26-29; 16:14-23.

Young people in particular can learn much from David's faith in these matters. Notice that he spent his spare time in pursuits that drew him closer to Jehovah. Additionally, he patiently developed skills that were practical and that made him readily employable. Above all, though, he responded to the leading of Jehovah's spirit. What outstanding lessons for all of us to learn!

Next time: "LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" 

From the jw.org publications

"ANOINT HIM, FOR THIS IS THE ONE!"

 Let us go back to a time many months earlier. Evening was falling as David tended his father's sheep somewhere on the hillsides near Bethlehem. He was a well-formed man, likely still in his teens, with a ruddy l0ok about him and appealing, intelligent eyes. In quiet moments, he passed the time playing the harp. The beauty of God's creation moved him, and his musical skills had grown steadily through many happy hours of practice. But on the evening in question, David was summoned. His father wanted to see him right away. - 1 SAMUEL 16:12.

He found his father Jesse, talking with a very old man. It was the faithful prophet Samuel. Jehovah had sent him to anoint one of the sons of Jesus as Israel's next king! Samuel had already seen David's seven older brothers, but Jehovah made it clear to Samuel that he He had none of them. When David arrived, though, Jehovah told Samuel: "Anoint him, for this is the one!" In front of David's older brothers, Samuel opened a hollowed-out horn filled with special oil and poured some over David's head. David's life was never the same after that anointing. The Bible says: "The spirit of Jehovah began to empower David from that day forward." - 1 SAMUEL 16:1,5-11, 13.

Next time: "ANOINT HIM, FOR HE IS THE ONE!" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DAVID -"The Battle Belongs to Jehovah

 David braced himself against the rush of soldiers jostling past him. They were wide-eyed with fear as they ran away from the battle line. What scared them so? Over and over, David must have heard them nervously repeating one word. It was the name of a man. And there, standing defiantly on the valley floor, was the man himself, perhaps looming larger than any man David had ever seen.

Goliath! David could see why the soldiers feared him-he seemed impossible huge. a mountain of a man. Even without his formidable armor, he probably weighed more than two large men combined. But he was heavily armed, and he was immensely strong, experienced warrior. Goliath bellowed out a challenge. Imagine his booming voice echoing on the hillsides as he taunted the army of Israel and their king, Saul. He dared any man to come forward and fight him, to settle this war in single combat! - 1 SAMUEL 17:4-10. 

The Israelites coward. King Saul cowered. The situation, David learned he had been dragging on for over a month! The two armies, Philistine and Israelite remained deadlocked as Goliath repeated his taunts day after day. David was distressed. How humiliating to think of Israel's king and his soldiers, including three of David's older brothers, cringing in fear! David's eyes, this pagan Goliath was doing far worse than embarrassing the army of Israel; he was insulting the God of Israel, Jehovah! But what could David, a mere youth, do about it? And what can we do today learn from the faith of David? -1 SAMUEL 17:11-14.

Next time: "ANOINT HIM, FOR THIS IS THE ONE!" 

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A Growing Darkness - Conclusion

Jonathan likely learned that Jehovah intended to take the kingship away from Saul. How did Jonathan react? Did he ever wonder what kind of ruler he might prove to be? Did he cherish hopes of righting some of his father's wrongs, setting a better example as a loyal and obedient king? We do not know his inner thoughts; we only know that any such hops were never to be realized. Does this mean that Jehovah abandoned that faithful man? On the contrary, he used Jonathan to set the greatest examples of loyal friendship contained in the entire Bible record! That friendship will be the focus of a further article on Jonathan.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ DAVID - "The Battle Belongs to Jehovah"

A Growing Darkness

 It was not long thereafter that Jehovah withdrew his holy spirit from Saul. Without Jehovah's loving influence, Saul was subject to wild mood swings, fits of temper, and overwhelming fears. It was if  a bad spirit from God replaced a good one. (1 SAMUEL 16:15; 18:109-12) How it must have distressed Jonathan to see his once noble father so terribly changed! Nonetheless, Jonathan never swerved from his loyal service to Jehovah. Hey supported his father as best he could, even speaking to him quite frankly at times, but he kept his focus on his unchanging God and Father, Jehovah. - 1 SAMUEL 19:4, 5.

Have you e to tover watched someone you love, perhaps a close family member, change drastically for the worse? It can be a profoundly painful experience. Jonathan's example reminds us of what the palmist later wrote: "Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in." ( Psalm 27:10) Jehovah is loyal. He will take you in too and be the best Father imaginable, no matter what imperfect humans may do to disappoint you or let you down.

Next time: A Growing Darkness - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

A Growing Darkness

 Despite Saul's faults, Jonathan kept fighting loyalty at his father's side through the years. We can only imagine his dismay as he saw his father develop a disobedient and proud spirit. A darkness was growing in his father, and Jonathan was powerless to stop it.

The problem came to a head when Jehovah assigned Sail to wage war against the amalekites, a people so immersed in wickeedness that back in Moses'day, Jehovah had foretold the destruction of the entire nation. (Exodus 17:14) Saul was told to destroy all their livestock and to execute their king, Agag. Saul won the battle, no doubt with Jonathan fighting bravely under his father's command as usual. But Saul flagrantly disobeyed Jehovah, sparing Agag and keeping the wealth, the livestock intact. The prophet Samuel pronounceD Jehovah's final judgment on Saul: "Because you have rejected the Word of Jehovah, he has rejected from being king."- 1 SAMUEL 15:2, 3, 9, 10, 23.

Next time: A Growing Darkness - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

"It Was With God That He Acted"

 Through his courage, hard work, and selfless spirit, Jonathan had built a good reputation. When he was in danger, his reputation came to his aid. We do well to contemplate the name, or reputations, that we are precious. (Ecclesiastes 7:1) If, like Jonathan, we take care to make a good name with Jehovah, our reputation will be a great treasure.

Next time: A Growing Darkness. 

From the jw.org publications 

"It Was With God That He Acted"

Note: I do know how this happened but it was an accident. Not good doing this on phone. Sorry.

Jonathan knew nothing about his father's ill- conceive oath. Exhausted from the battle, he dipped in his staff into a honeycomb and tasted some honey; he immediately felt his strength revive. Then one of his men told him about his father's prohibition against eating, Jonathan responded: "My father has brought great trouble on the land. Look at how my eyes brightened because I tasted this little bit of honey. How much better if the people had eaten freely today from the spoil of their enemies that they found! For then the slaughter of the Philistines would have been greater."  SAMUEL 14:25-30. He was right. Jonathan was a loyal Son, but his loyalty was not blind. He did immediately agree with everything his father did or said, and that balanced view earned the respect of others.

When Saul learned that Jonathan had violated the ban, he still refused to see the folly of his command. Instead, he actually believed that his own son should be put to death! Jonathan did not argue or beg for mercy. Note his remarkable reply. He selflessly said: Here I am! I am ready to die! However,  the Israelites spoke up: should Jonathan die -the one who brought this great victory to Israel? It is unthinkable! As surely as Jehovah is alive, not even a single hair of his head should fall to the ground, for it was with God that he acted this day. The result? Saul gave in to reason. The account says: "With that the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die." - 1 SAMUEL 14:43-45.

Next time:  "It Was With God That He Acted"

From the jw.org publications 

"It Was With God That He Acted"

 For Saul, that victory did not turn out as well as it did for Jonathan. Saul had made some grave mistakes. He obeyed Jehovah's appointed prophet Samuel by offering a sacrifice that the prophet, who was also a Levite, was supposed to offer. When Samuel arrived, he told Saul that because of such disobedience, his kingdom would not last. Then, when Saul sent his men into battle, he first put them under an ill-advised oath: "Cursed is the man who eats any food before the evening and until I have taken vengeance ony enemies!" - 1 SAMUEL 13:10-14; 14:24. 

Saul's words hint at sad change in the man. Was the humble spiritual man becoming an ambitious egotist? After all, Jehovah never directed that such an unreasonable restriction be put on those hardworking soldiers. And what about Saul's words; until I have taken vengeance on my enemies" -do they suggest that Saul thought that this war was all about him?  Was he forgetting that it was Jehovah's justice that mattered and not Saul's hunger for vengeance, glory or conquest? 

Next time: "It Was Wit God That He Acted" - Continue

From the jw.org publications

Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

  So the two men, warrior and armor-bearor, charge up the steep slope toward the outpost. The Philistines, finally realizing that they were under attack, sent men out to fight off the two invaders. The Philistines had not only had the superior numbers but also the advantage of holding the higher ground, so they should have been able to make short work of two attackers. But Jonathan shot down one soldier after another. Behind him, the armor-bearor put them to death. In just a small patch of ground, the two men dispatched 20 enemy soldiers! And Jehovah did something further. We read: "Then terror spread in the field camp and among all the people of the outpost, and even raiding parties were terr you(ified. The earth began quaking, and a terror from God ensued." - 1 SAMUEL 14:15.

From a distance, Saul and his men watched as chao and panic spread among the Philistines, who even began to turn against one another! (1 SAMUEL 14: 16, 20) The Iraelites took courage and attacked, perhaps taking weapons from the fallen Philistines. Jehovah gave his people a great to victory that day. And he has not changed since those exciting times. If we today put faith in him, as did Jonathan and his armed armor-bearor, we will never have reason to regret our choice. - MALACHI 2:6; ROMANS 10:11.

Next time: "It Was With God That He Acted"

From the jw.org publications publications 

Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

Jonathan evidently knew his God well. He no doubt knew that in the past,Jehovah had helped his people enemies who vastly outnumbered them. Sometimes he had even used a single individual to bring victory. (Judges 3:31; 4:1-23; 16:23-30) So Jonathan knew that it was neither the numbers nor the strength nor the weaponry of God's servants that mattered; it was their faith. In faith, then, Jonathan let Jehovah determine whether he and his armor-bearer should attack the outpost; he chose a sign by which Jehovah could signal approval. With that approval secured, Jonathan fearlessly forged ahead.

Note two facets of Jonathan's faith. First, he had profound awe for his God, Jehovah. He knee that God Almighty does not depend on human strength in order to 

accomplish his purposePs, yet Jehovah delights  in blessing faithful servants who serve him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)Second, Jonathan sought evidence of Jehovah's approval our o before he took action. Today, we do not seek supernatural signs from our God in order  to verify that he approves of our course of action. Withe the entire inspired Word of God at hand, we have all we need in order to discern God's will.(2Timorhy 3:16) Do we consult the Bible carefully beforealing beforealing importtant decisions? If so, we show that we care about God's more than ourn our own- much like Jonathan.

Next time: Loyal Son and Brave Soldier.

Loyal Son and Brave Soldier Soldier

 For men like Jonathan, then, fighting was a matter of loyal service to Jehovah God. And Jehovah blessed Jonathan's efforts. Soon after Saul became king, he appointed his son to command 1,000 Soldiers, and Jonathan led them to attack a Philistine garrison at Geba. Poorly armed though his men were, with Jehovah's help Jonathan won the day. In response, however,the Philistines amassed a huge force. Many of Saul's soldiers were terrified. Some ran off and hid, and a few even switched sides! But Jonathan's courage never faded. - 1 SAMUEL 13:2-7; 14:21.

On the day described at th outset, Jonathan decided to slip away with only his armor-bearor at his side. As they approached the Pklhilistine outpost atichmash, Jonathan revealed his plan to his armor-bearor. They would show themselves plainly to the Philistine soldiers up there. If the Philistines challenged the two of them to come on up against them, this would be a sign  that Jehovah would help his servants. The armor-bearor readily agreed, perhaps moved by Jonathan's powerful words: "Nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by many or by few. -( 1 SAMUEL 14:6-10.) What did he mean? 

Next time:Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

From the jw.org publications

Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

 To understand why Jonathan charged against the outpost, we need to look at his background. Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel. When Saul was anointed as king, Jonathan was already a man, perhaps 20 years of age or even older. It seems that Jonathan maintained a close bond with his father, who would often confide in his son. In those early days, Jonathan knew his father not only as a tall handsome man and courageous warrior but also as something much more important-a man of faith and humility. Jonathan could see why Jehovah chose Saul to be king. Even the prophet Samuel said there was no one like Saul in the land! -1 SAMUEL 9:1, 2, 21; 10:20-25; 20:2.

Jonathan must have felt honored to fight under his father's command against the enemies against Jehovah's people. Those wars were not like the nationalistic clashes of today. 

Back then, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to represent him, and it was under constant attack by nations that worshiped false gods. The Philistines, corrupted by the worship of such gods as Dagon, often trie to oppress or even destroy Jehovah's chosen people.

Next time: Loyal Son and Brave Soldier. - Continue

From the jw.org publications

 Note to my readers. My computer quit on me yesterday. Until I can get another one, I will be doing just two  a day until then on my phone, and for me, that is not easy. I have short fat fingers, but I am trying. Please be patient. Than you, redpunkin@gmail com

IMITATE THEIR FAITH I/JONATHAN

 Picture a solitary m to

ilitary outpost overlooking an arrid and craggy landscape. The Philistine soldiers posted there have found something of interest in the monotonous view: Two men, Israelites, are standing in plain sight across the ravine. The soldiers are amused - they see no threat there. The Philistines have long dominated the Israelites, who cannot even get their metal farm implements sharpened without going to their Philistine enemies for help. Israelites soldiers are thus poorly armed. Furthermore, these are only two men! Even if they were two armed warriors, what rm could they possibly do? Sneering, the Philistines call out,: " Come up to us and we will teach you a lesson - 1 Samuel 13:19-23; 14:11, 12.

In fact, a lesson was in the making, but those Philistines would find themselves on the receiving end of it. The two Israelites ran down the ravine, crossed it, and began climbing up the near side. It was so steep that they had to use their hands and feet, but they kept coming, scrambling over the rocks, heading straight toward the outpost!  (1 Samuel 14:13) The Philistines could now see that the man taking the lead was armed;his armor-bearor followed. But was actually leadinga telwp-man attack on an entire garrison? Was the man mad?

He was not mad, he was a man of great faith. His name was Jonathan, and his story is alive with lessons for true Christians today. Though we do not engage in physical warfare, we can learn a great deal from Jonathan about courage, loyalty, and selflessness that we need in order to build genuine faiith. - ISAIAH 2: 4; MATTHEW 26:51, 52.

Next time: Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

From the jw.org publications

Does Religious conversation Dishonor Family Traditions or Customs?

 This need not be the case. The Bible encourages respect for all, regardless of their religion. (1Peter 2:17) In addition, Jehovah's Witnesses obey the Bible's commands to honor their parents, even if they different beliefs. - EPHESIANS 6:2, 3.

Still, not everyone agrees with the Bible's viewpoint. One woman who grew up in Zambia relates: "In my community, changing one's religion . . . was considered an act of disloyalty, a betrayal of one's family and community."This woman came face-to-face with this issue when as a teenager she began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and shortly thereafter decided to change her religion. She says:"My parents repeatedly told me that they were highly displeased with me and that I was letting them down. I found this very difficult, since my parent's approval means a lot to me. . . . Choosing to be loyal to Jehovah rather than to religious traditions does not mean that I am being disloyal to my family."

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ JONATHAN - "Nothing Can Hinder Jehovah"

From the jw.org publications 

 

Does a Person Have the Right to Change Religions?

 Yes, the Bible shows that people have the right to change their religion. It records many who chose not to follow the form of religion practiced by their relatives and who, of their own free will, decided to worship the true God. Abraham, Ruth, some of the people of Athens, and the apostle Paul are just a few examples. (Joshua 24:2; Ruth1:14-16; Acts 17:22, 20-24; Galatians 1:14, 23) In addition, the Bible even acknowledges a person's right to make the unwise decision to abandon the worship approved by God. - 1 JOHN 2:19.

The right to change religion is supported by the universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations has called "the foundation of international human rights law." That document states that everyone has the "freedom to change his religion or belief" and "to seek, receive or impart information and ideas," including religious ideas.  Of course, these rights carry with them the obligation to respect the rights of others both to maintain their beliefs and to reject ideas they disagree with. 

Next time: Does Religion Conversation Dishonor Family Traditions or Customs?

From the jw:org publications 

Is Our Work Proselytism?

 It is true that we spread the Bible's message "to the most distant part of the earth," doing so publicly and from house to house," as commanded in the Bible. (Acts 1:8; 10:42; 20:20) And like the early Christians, we are sometimes accused of proselytizing illegally. (Acts 18:12, 13) However, those accusations are false. We do not try to force our beliefs on anyone. Instead, we believe that people should be allowed to take in knowledge so that may make an informed choice.

We do not coerce people into changing religions, nor do we carry out political activity under the guise of religion or offer material or social advantages to gain new adherents. This is in contrast to some who claim to be Christian but have dishonored Christ by doing such things. 

Next time: Does a person have the right to change religions?

From the jw.org publications

Do Jehovah's Witnesses Pressure People to Change Religions?

 No we do not. We have stated in our principal magazine, The Watchtower: "Pressuring people to change their religion is wrong." We avoid pressuring people for the following reasons:

. Jesus never pressured people to accept his teachings. He knew that relatively few would respond to his message. (Matthew 7:13, 14) When some of his disciples stumbled at what he said, he let them leave rather than coerce them into staying. - JOHN 6:60-62, 66-68. 

. Jesus taught his followers not to push others to change their believes. Instead of trying to force people to accept the good news of the Kingdom against their will, his disciples were to look for listeners who were receptive. -MATTHEW 10:7, 11-14. 

. Conversions made under compulsion are meaningless, since God only accepts worship that comes from the heart. - DEUTERONOMY 6:4, 5; MATTHEW 22:37, 38. 

Next time: Is our work proselytism? 

From the jw.org publications

Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe That They Have the One True Religion?

 Those who are serious about religion should think that the one they've chosen is acceptable to God and Jesus. Otherwise, why would they be involved in it?

Jesus Christ didn't agree with the view that there are many religions, many roads, all leading to salvation. Rather, he said: "Narrow is the gate cramped the road leading 0ff into life, and few are the ones finding it." (Matthew 7:14) Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they've found that road. Otherwise, they'd look for another religion. 

Next time: Do Jehovah's Witnesses Pressure People to Change Religion? 

From the jw.org publications 

What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? -Conclusion

 14. Our conduct. We strive to show unselfish love in all our actions. (John 13:24, 35) We avoid practices that displeases God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. (Act 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. (Matthew 5:9; Isaiah 2:4) We respect the government where we live and obey its laws as long as these do not call on us to disobey God's laws. - MATTHEW 22:21; ACTS 5:29. 

15. Our relationships with others.  Jesus commanded: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." He also said that Christians "are no part of the world." (Matthew 22:39; John 17:16) So we try to "work what is good toward all," yet we remain strictly neutral in political affairs and avoid affiliation with other religions. (Galatians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters. - ROMANS 14:12.

If you have further questions about the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, you can read more about us on our website, contact one of our offices, attend a meeting at a Kingdom Hall near you or speak to one of the Witness in your area.

Next time: Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe That They Have the One True Religion? 

From the jw.org publications

What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? -Continue

 12. Our organization. We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. However, the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried.  (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. (2 Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations. 

The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarter, provides direction for Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide - MATTHEW 24:45.

13. Our unity. We are globally united in our beliefs. (1 Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, or class divisions. (Acts 10:34, 35; Jamese 2:4) Our unity all0ows for personal choice, though. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible -trained conscience. - ROMANS 14:1-4; HEBREWS 5:14.

Next time: What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe -Continue

 Family. We adhere to God original standard of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, with sexual immorality being the only valid basis for divorce. (Matthew 19:4-9) We are convinced that the wisdom of the Bible helps families to succeed - EPHESIANS 5:22-6:1.

Our worship. We do not venerate the cross or any other images. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1 John 5:21) Key aspects of our worship include the following: 

. Praying to God. - PHILIPPIANS 4:6. 

. Reading and Studying the Bible. - PSALM 1:1-13. 

. Meditating on what we learn from the Bible. - PSALM 77:12. 

. Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others, - COLOSSIANS 3:16; HEBREWS10:23-25.

. Preaching the "good news of the Kingdom." -MATTHEW 24:14.

. Helping those in need. - JAMES 2:14-17.

. Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities use to further our worldwide Bible educational work. -PSALM 127:1.

. Sharing in disaster relief. - ACTS 11:27-30.

Next time: What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe - Continue

From the jw.org publications

What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? Continue

 Evil and suffering. These began when one of God's angels rebelled. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called "Satan" and "Devil," persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12) In order to settle the moral issues raised by Satan, God has allowed evil and suffering, but He will not permit them to continue forever. 

Death. People who die pass out of existence. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment. 

 God will bring back from death by means of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15) However, those who refuse to learn God's ways after being raised to life will be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection. - REVELATION 20:14, 15. 

Next time: What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications