Everyone needs a Jonathan in their life!
In The Story this week, we learned about David being anointed King of Israel. We also learned that King Saul’s son Jonathan, the next in line to the throne, was the only one, aside from God, who recognized the fact that David was indeed the one who would be king. Jonathan not only recognized it, but also signified it by giving to David his royal robe, his tunic, his bow and his belt.
We all need at least one Jonathan, one person, in our lives who sees God’s good plan in us even when we don’t and who also believes in us. I know I have had a long list of Jonathans in my lifetime; some were teachers, some coaches, some pastors, some Sunday school teachers, and some mentors, but they all had one thing in common: they saw potential in me and they nurtured it. They believed in me and saw beyond the surface to my heart. Do you remember a teacher, coach or mentor who encouraged you and believed in you? Maybe they looked beyond your situation and saw the person God created you to be. They saw beyond the externals and saw your heart! And that made all the difference!
In the sermon this week, I mentioned that the story of David is a story that challenges each of us to look beyond our outward appearances and look at our character and our heart because God sees something in each of us that no one else sees. What’s your heart like this week? Do you have a pure heart for God, like David?
I would encourage each of us not only to look at our own hearts, but also to have eyes to see the heart of others in our lives. Perhaps we could each be a Jonathan this week to someone who needs some extra encouragement. I’m going to throw out a “Jonathan Challenge” to each of us.
Over the next week, find at least one person to whom you can speak words of encouragement. Find one person who you can look beyond the surface and really see their heart and God’s good plan in them. Ask God about it; pray about that person and ask God to reveal to you the gifts that this person has. Then be a Jonathan – speak words of hope and encouragement to them. Share your Jonathan stories on this blog. Every one of us needs a Jonathan, but every one of us can also BE a Jonathan to someone else as well.
Here’s the beautiful song Craig Anderson sang at worship this week called “Your Heart.” It’s a song about David and his heart for God. The song challenges each of us to look at our hearts and to be men and women after God’s own heart, just like David.
In His Grip!
Pastor Carol
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