April 20, 2020: SOAP #3791:  1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

Scripture:  1Samuel (NIV) 23:15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him to find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You shall be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

Observation:  David was under God’s protection so King Saul could not find him; but Saul’s son, Jonathan, who loved David had no trouble in finding David.  Jonathan was used by God to encourage David.  He “helped him to find strength in God.”  Jonathan could not stay with David, so he could not promise any personal help.  BUT Jonathan knew someone who would never leave David, God!  Jonathan’s help was so limited, but God’s help was so Unlimited!

How amazing, God brought David encouragement from the very family of the one working to destroy him!

Application:  When people look to me for help, I can do what Jonathan did:  I can “help them to find strength in the Lord.”   My resources are so limited.  My wisdom is not enough for the need.  But I have an All-wise, Unlimited Resource that cares for them even more than I do!  When I go to sleep at night, He will still be watching over them.  When I cannot lay a hand of encouragement on their shoulder, He fills their heart with His presence!

(A special word for a reader of this SOAP:  Be encouraged!  God is going to bring you help from the inner circle of the one committed to your failure.)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Make me an encourager of someone today. Minister your encouragement through me, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!