Destiny Dilemma I

John 1:²⁶ (NIV) “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷ He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

1 Cor.15:⁴¹ (Voice) “Even among the heavenly bodies, there is a different level of brilliance: the sun shines differently than the moon, the moon differently than the stars, and the stars themselves differ in their brightness.” The key thing is, every star is doing what it was created to do. Jonathan got to a place that he could say to another man, you be the first and let me be number two. Wow! To a large extent, we all actually need to get to that place. David got to a place where he was willing to die for God’s purposes to be established. David was not chasing the throne. But this is not about David, this is about Jonathan. David’s gain is actually Jonathan’s “loss” and yet Jonathan’s loyalty to David and to God never wavers.

Jonathan’s loyalty to David and to God did not waver. There was only one person that could be king and Jonathan says to David, you be king. 1 Sam.18:⁴ (KJV) “And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” The Voice Translation puts it this way, “He took off the robe he wore and gave it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolically transferring to David his right to ascend the throne.” The robe, the signet, and the sceptre belonged to Jonathan, but he laid it down. Jonathan actually said to David, you be king, and I will be your number two man. Every time I read this story; it challenges me to the core of my being not to be self-serving, not to promote myself. Why? Simple, there is no competition in destiny. What is written is written!

Please read 1 Sam.20:30-42. This passage highlights what I call the destiny dilemma. Should Jonathan have gone with David or did he do right by staying with his father Saul? The sad reality is that sometimes, judgment affects everyone around. The judgement of Saul affected Jonathan; he died like a chicken in battle with his father. These two young men devoted to each other with so much in common. They hoped to fight battles for God together, raise families together, and grow old together. But they were ripped apart by a jealous old sinful man. Neither Jonathan nor David had a friend so true afterward. Beyond being loyal to his earthly father, perhaps Jonathan should have prioritized being loyal to his heavenly Father and heavenly assignment (duties). When you let sentiments affect your decisions you derail your destiny.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, please help me understand the place of my calling, my assignment and help me do all that God requires of me without being sentimental, in Jesus Name. Amen!