Love that Intercedes

October 4, 2020 Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1 – 7; 23:1 – 18; 2 Samuel 9 Lesson Passage: 1 Samuel 19:1 – 7 To intercede is to act as a mediator or to go between two parties with the intent of reconciling differences between them. Intercession can be a precarious endeavor—especially, if the situation is one that could result in the loss of life. One can be in danger from either side. It is possible that both sides could pose a threat. How do the parties feel about you getting involved in their business? Do they want you going between the two of them? Intercession is not a work that should be taken lightly. Our lesson teaches about a situation that was dangerous; indeed, it was life threatening. However, the bond of true friendship was sufficiently strong to overcome the fear of endangerment. The writer of Proverbs wrote “A friend loves at all times.” Of course, the implication is that of a true friend. Jonathan and David were true friends. Jonathan interceded on several occasions on behalf of his friend, David. Jonathan’s father, King Saul, became jealous of David and sought to kill or have David murdered. King Saul attempted to take David’s life himself. After his effort failed, then King Saul attempted to set David up to be killed by Israel’s enemies. Each time a scheme was concocted, God delivered David. King Saul was aware that God was protecting David, but he continued to seek David’s death. King Saul even reminded Jonathan that David would be the reason Jonathan would not succeed to the throne and serve as king after his father. Jonathan understood this, but he recognized and accepted that God had already made choice of David to succeed King Saul. Jonathan was content to be David’s friend and to see David prosper at God’s hand. Jonathan placed himself, diplomatically, between his father, Saul, and his friend, David. Saul and David were far from being equals. Saul was the first king of Israel and David was a young man from a poor family among the people of Israel. In other words, David’s family were subjects in the kingdom ruled by Saul. Saul had Israel’s military at his disposal, and he used the military in his attempts to take David’s life. The military was constantly sent on missions to find David and execute him. David was on the run with a group of outcasts from Israel’s population. Under normal circumstances, this would be no contest. Those were not normal circumstances. David was God’s choice to replace Saul and Jonathan was David’s friend. This enraged Saul because Saul knew that in a kingdom, sons should succeed their fathers as rulers. Jonathan was not interested in a position God had established for another person. Besides that, Jonathan loved David. Jonathan’s actions were clearly motivated by his desire to see David be successful. Jonathan was not acting out of benevolence to meet David’s needs. Jonathan acted as a true friend by showing affection for David and concern for his welfare. Jonathan rejoiced to see David survive and be successful. In life, one is likely to have many acquaintances and meet many people over the years who will willingly lend a helping hand. Few acquaintances will go through life with you and always be there to lend a helping hand. A true friend is as close as one gets to finding such a person. And that person will show a love that will intercede. Robert C. Hudson September 23, 2020