A Different Kind

Without God's grace, humanity would remain in a perpetual decline.  While we observe many sons walking in the sinful ways of their fathers or departing from the living God their fathers faithfully served, there are many occasions when the son of a wicked king did what was right in God's sight.  I think of Jeroboam who made all Israel sin through idolatry and yet he had a young son God revealed "...in him there is found something good toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam." (1 Kings 14:13)  In all the house of Jeroboam, one boy who would have been the most naturally impressionable and influenced by his father instead had a heart that was inclined to the LORD God of Israel.

King Saul and his son Jonathan also provide a stark contrast.  While Saul began his reign with humility and faith in God, in a short time he was lifted up with pride and disobeyed the LORD's commands.  Just this morning I read of what happened as Jonathan and his armourbearer drew near to a Philistine garrison.  Jonathan suggested they show themselves to the Philistines, and if they were invited to advance up the steep hill it was a sign the LORD had delivered them into their hands.  After they put their plan into motion, 1 Samuel 14:12 tells us:  "Then the men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, "Come up to us, and we will show you something." Jonathan said to his armorbearer, "Come up after me, for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel."  I am struck by the faith and humility of Jonathan, for he saw the victory the LORD gave them as already complete.  It was a victory for God and Israel, and Jonathan gave all honour to Him.

Jonathan did not learn this from his father, King Saul.  Rather than seeking the LORD for guidance before battle, Saul sought out valiant men to add to his fighting force.  Saul was very self-centred in broadcasting his victories (even when he did not fight), and his focus remained on himself and his enemies--not God and the nation.  Later in the passage 1 Samuel 14:24 illustrates the point:  "And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had placed the people under oath, saying, "Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food."  Rather than blessing the LORD and the people who bravely fought for Saul, he placed a curse upon them if they ate food before "I have taken vengeance on my enemies."  He did not mention God, express confidence the battle was the LORD's, exhort the people to take courage in the LORD, or lead by brave example.

While Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree surrounded by his valiant men, Jonathan was valiant in faith and humility before God by advancing upon a Philistine garrison by faith in God.  I have heard it said an apple does not fall far from the tree, but it is clear Jonathan was of a different kind than his father.  Jonathan's actions illustrates the power and grace of God to guide a person to embrace a life of faith in God they have not observed in others close to them, and it is a blessing to know God is in no way limited by the selfish, proud or faithless people to raise up from their children people who fear and trust Him.  A selfish father can raise a selfless child when that child has God as his Father by faith.  There's always hope for transformation when God is involved, for He is able to stop the downward spiral of humanity and helps us embark on God's upward call by faith in Jesus.