July 20, 2021 | I Samuel 19

Read 1 Samuel 19

Scripture- 1 Samuel 19:4-  Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.”

Observation- Jonathan was heir to the throne of Saul. He had also been a very strong leader in the army before David came around. David was now quickly becoming the most popular man in Israel with his military achievements which could affect Jonathan’s future. Yet, Jonathan didn’t let his personal ambition affect the way he saw David. He recognized that David was God loving, acting in innocence, and wasn’t an enemy of Saul. So he spoke well of David to his father. 

Application- Personal ambition can be a good thing but it can also cause jealousy and distort my views about others. When I see other people succeeding in areas that I want to succeed in, the temptation is to think poorly of them and speak negatively about them. But God wants me to have a heart like Jonathan. One that is secure in who he is in the Lord. One who doesn’t let personal ambition shade the way I view someone. One who thanks God for what he is doing in other people’s lives. After all, all their success comes from the same person who gives me all my success: my loving, gracious, compassionate God. 

Prayer- Father in heaven, thank you for blessing me with everything you’ve given me. Thank you especially for the blessing of Jesus, who has forgiven me for all my sins. He has even forgiven me for letting personal ambition shade the way I view others. Send me your Spirit today that I may be thankful for other peoples’ success because I am secure in who I am in you. Amen.