Day 09

“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.’”

– 1 Samuel 20:4

Additional reading: Romans 12:1-4,5-8,9-13 1 Corinthians 12:12-15,16-19,20-23,24-27 Ephesians 4:7-10,11-13,14-16

With every hero, there stands a great sidekick. Batman had Robin, Han Solo had Chewbacca, and Frodo had Sam. As these examples show, leadership is very important. But before we can lead, we first have to learn how to follow. Along with following, we need to learn how to be good allies for the leaders in our lives… a ‘super sidekick’ if you will!

David’s friend Jonathan is another good example of a sidekick. To be David’s sidekick, I think Jonathan must have had a thoughtful, easy going personality. I imagine him saying something like, “Yeah, it stinks that those guys are chasing you, but remember when you were just a kid watching sheep and that HUGE bear came after you? God helped you then, and these guys now don’t even have claws, sharp teeth, or sheep breath!”

Jonathan was an amazing friend through some tough times. His father, Saul, wanted to kill David. Jonathan could have easily joined the “I hate David” club, or had even been its president! After all, Jonathan was next in line to become king, and David, having been anointed by the prophet Samuel, threatened that position. Jonathan had to choose between standing beside his father or his friend. Ultimately, Jonathan realized that his loyalty was first to God and to God’s plan, so he chose David. The Bible has some truly incredible descriptions of their friendship.

“…Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” -1 Samuel 18:1 (NIV)

“…Jonathan went to David… he said, ‘…You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.’ The two of them made a covenant before the LORD…” – 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (NIV)

“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.’ ” -1 Samuel 20:4 (NIV)

To be honest, each Bible character could be viewed as a sidekick. They all chose to stand up for and stand beside God! In that respect, each of us are sidekicks of the Lord. I would like for you to consider three additional passages of Scripture; Romans 12:1-13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, & Ephesians 4:7-16.

Confession for today: “Merciful God, You call me to take up my cross and follow after You. To turn away from my own selfish interests and to follow You even if the path is difficult to see, or leads me in a direction I would never have chosen for myself. Forgive me for being quick to question and hesitant to follow. Help me to see with the eyes of faith, rather than from my own human point of view. Teach me to follow without fear, knowing that You are always with me, leading the way.”

Love and nuggs,

Amanda