Loyalty in Trouble | 1 Samuel 20:5-9

Do you have a loyal friend who will defend you?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

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This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity."

In yesterday's devotional, we found David seeking assurance from Jonathan amidst his fears of Saul's relentless pursuit. Today, David is going to put this to the test in verses 5-9:

David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the clan.' If he says, 'Good!' it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?" And Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?" — 1 Samuel 20:5-9

It seems that three-day meetings were regularly held in the king's house during the new moon cycles, and officials and warriors such as David were required to attend. However, David is still unsure about Saul, so he is uncertain if he wants to attend. The unresolved question is whether Saul experienced a permanent spiritual change in Naioth when he encountered the Spirit or if it was merely a temporary experience. Over the past months, David has experienced escalating threats from Saul. Now that royal orders have been given to kill David, David does not want to intentionally expose himself to the trap with the king.

David devises a pretty good plan. He plans to test Jonathan's loyalty first and then Saul's. But the plan involves telling a pretty elaborate lie to test Saul's irritation with David's absence. Johnathan would tell his father that he permitted David to return to Bethlehem, the place where he was anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13), and the father to whom Saul would not allow him to return (1 Samuel 18:2). David is smart enough to know that if anything would awaken a spirit of aggression, it would be Jonathan permitting David to escape a secret snare of the throne.

Even though the Bible does not justify lying, both David and Jonathan choose to tell Saul a lie. But notice the tone of the text. David accepts righteous justice but believes that Saul will not act righteously; Jonathan might, but Saul will not. So, instead of submitting his life to a death trap, they devise a way to stick at the snare. And their test works.

There are extremely rare instances in life when lying is justified. However, when your life is threatened by unrighteous, evil people who have set snares for you, it is one of those instances. I would hope that if an invader broke into your home, you would lie about a hiding child. Or if you were a Jew being hunted down by a nazi regime, you would lie to hide your whereabouts because there are very rare times when the moral imperative to protect innocent lives against evil outweighs the ethical dilemma of lying. This will be "shown" further in the coming verses.

Loyalty and support for believers are crucial during tough times. They have been for me. This week, reach out to a friend who is going through adversity. Send a text, email, make a call, or plan to meet for coffee. Encourage them and let them know they are not alone. Your presence will help them feel less isolated, and it might help them through the snares being set for them.

#LoyaltyInAdversity, #FaithfulFriendship, #StrengthInCommunity

Ask This:

1. Who in your life has shown unwavering loyalty during your toughest times, and how can you express your gratitude to them this week?
2. In what ways can you be a more supportive friend to someone who is currently facing adversity? What specific actions can you take to encourage them?

Do This:

Reach out to a friend in adversity.

Pray This:

Father, thank You for the loyal friends You’ve placed in my life; help me to be a source of strength and encouragement for them as well. Give me the wisdom and courage to support others in their times of need, reflecting Your love and loyalty. Amen.

Play This:

Tell All My Friends.