JONATHAN, SON OF KING SAUL
When David, the anointed second King of Israel, became popular, Saul got jealous and chased to kill him (1 Sam 18:6-9). All his attempts were in vain because the Spirit of the Lord was upon David. Saul had warned his elder son Jonathan: “For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, you cannot make good your claim to the kingship! Now send for him, and bring him to me, for he must die” (1 Sam 20:31). However, Jonathan kept a wonderful friendship with David and protected his life from assassination attempts of his father. Jonathan said to David: “Have no fear, my father Saul shall not lay a hand to you. You shall be king of Israel and I shall be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this” (1 Sam 23:17).
REFLECTION
Though King Saul wanted his son Jonathan to be his successor, Jonathan was behaving like John the Baptist, preparing the way for the enthronement of David, God’s anointed king, and considered himself as second to him (1 Sam ch 19-24). Christian leadership is a vocation. We should not compete for it. If it is God’s call, we must do it respecting our coworkers and fulfilling the will of God.