Strengthen the Brethren

 Text: I Samuel 23:16 And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David in the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

 Introduction:

Saul, in a jealous rage, has been hunting David for over a decade, God had rejected Saul and he viewed David as a rival although David had done nothing to Saul. I Samuel 23:14-17

And David abode n the wilderness in strongholds and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to 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.

David and his men have been on the run for a long time. David was becoming weary and discouraged. Jonathan’s love for him was as one might love his own soul. He decided to make the effort to track down David to encourage him in the Lord. The love of David and Jonathan was remarkable because they had little in common outwardly. Jonathan was a king’s son; David cared for sheep. Jonathan was probably nearly the age of David’s father. But both had a close relationship with God, and that relationship brought them close together.

Jonathan’s relationship with God:

Jonathan had a close relationship with God. He knew that God had rejected his father as king, and in such a situation, his claim to the throne would be questionable. He know also that God had anointed David as the next king. But he loved God and had a wonderful relationship with David, and this permitted him to encourage David in the Lord. We too should examine our relationship with the Lord and with our fellow believers. If we love the Lord and want the best, they we should have a good relationship with other believers. To quote Pastor Clarence Sexton: “If my relationship with others is what it out to be, it is because my relationship and fellowship with Christ is what it ought to be.”

Jonathan’ resolve:

Jonathan decided to reach out to David. There was some risk involved. Once Saul had cast a javelin at Jonathan in anger when he defended David. He could view him as a traitor. Furthermore, finding David would require real effort. Saul was not able to catch up with David after multiple attempts. But Jonathan persevered and succeeded.

 Jonathan’s reward:

What was Jonathan’s reward? It was not in wealth, position, power, or prestige. It was simply that God could use him to strengthen another believer. And should we not also desire to be used of the Lord.