Sending and Sovereignty

Jonathan was a man who feared God and believed God was in control of situations that were out of his control.  When people say, "God is in control," it is likely the details of their circumstances are different than others or could mean different things.  The overarching point Christians likely agree on is what the Bible plainly declares:  God rules over all, is good, and He can redeem all things together for our good.  We can find rest and comfort in knowing God is totally aware of our situation and that He is able to do everything necessary to accomplish His good purposes through it.

It is good for us to acknowledge God is all-knowing, all-powerful and a present help in time of trouble whose desire is to save rather than destroy.  This is not true, however, concerning people who may have authority over us.  After David become acutely aware of King Saul's intention to murder him, he confided in Jonathan who was a good friend and son of the king.  Jonathan was taken aback by the accusation as he expected his father to confide in him and assured him all was well between the king and David.  Having dodged a couple spears already, David was not convinced.

Together Jonathan and David hatched a plan to see what Saul's intentions were towards David.  David proposed he be absent from the king's table, and if Saul noticed Jonathan was to explain David had asked permission to visit his family.  If the king was satisfied and content with this revelation all was well, but if he became angry his fury would lay his murderous intentions bare.  Then it was decided how Jonathan would secretly convey the message to David, if he should stay or flee for his life.  While David hid in the field near a particular rock, Jonathan would go out with a lad to fetch arrows he shot.  1 Samuel 20:21b-22 reads, "...If I expressly say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them and come'--then, as the LORD lives, there is safety for you and no harm. ²² But if I say thus to the young man, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you'--go your way, for the LORD has sent you away."

See how Jonathan viewed the exposure of the king's murderous plot as an act of God's grace, that God was sending David away rather than King Saul driving him away.  Being "sent" carries with it the idea of thought and purpose preceding definite action to accomplish the desire of the sender.  For me to successfully send a letter by the Australian Post, I need to place it in an addressed envelope, affix the stamp and drop it in a red postbox.  David's departure was not to be regretted, for it was God who sent him away for His good purposes:  to preserve David's life and ultimately to grant him the kingdom as his chosen, anointed king.  I love Jonathan's perspective in the midst of this difficult trial that saw his father angrily pitted against his dear friend, for he proclaimed the sovereignty of God in a situation completely out of his control.  It gives God glory when we do this--not blaming Him as if He is cruel or selfish--but knowing He has a good and glorious future for us in mind.