Encouragement

The Text

A. It wasn’t long after David demonstrated his faith in God’s power in which he killed Goliath, that Saul becomes extremely jealous of David. So jealous that Saul will spend much of what is left of his reign as king trying to kill David. As a result, David spends the next several years on the run. He lives in far away places, hidden ravines, and caves. Surrounded by a band of family and outlaws, David rarely finds any comfort as Saul becomes more jealous. Saul, on the other hand, loses his focus as king. He turns his attention to killing David not leading a nation. And Israel pays the price politically and spiritually.

B. In the middle of this disharmony comes Saul’s son, Jonathan. A friendship and bond is made between David and Jonathan that will last even after Jonathan’s death. 1 Samuel 20:42 speaks of this bond. Forever, Jonathan and David are bound together. This is not a passing friendship. This is a friendship that is closer than blood. But even friendship with the king’s son doesn’t keep David from experiencing Saul’s anger and jealousy.

C. Beginning in chapter 21, David is on the run and stops at a priest’s home for food. At the end of chapter 21, David is having to pretend to be insane in order to escape harm as he lives among the Philistines. Ironically, he is living in the town that was home to Goliath. You know things are bad when David has to go to the place where his face is seen on “Wanted: Dead or Alive” posters.

D. From Gath, David lives in caves. 1 Samuel 22 tells us that his entire family comes to live with him. In other words, not only is David on the run, but his family is not appreciated either. They eventually live in Moab and it is here in the caves of Adullam that David begins to amass his army. Verse 2 tells us that about 400 men surround David. Who are these men? Those who are in distress or in debt or discontented gather around him. So David’s congregation is not filled with Who’s Who Among the Israelites. These are the malcontents, the discarded, the ostracized. The people that no one else wanted gather around the man who will be king. Sounds like Jesus.

E. For his efforts to feed David, the priest at Nob is killed along with the entire town. And this brings us to chapter 23. It is a dramatic story of prayer and the response of faith to prayer. David may be on the run from the king of Israel but he is an Israelite and will do what he can to help his people. Philistines attack a city and David inquires of God if he should go and defend the city. The malcontents may not be soldiers but David is a warrior. The malcontents are afraid. But David responds to God’s will and leads this rag-tag band against the dreaded Philistines. God delivers. And at Keilah, Abiathar the lone remaining priest from Nob arrives to tell David what has happened.

F. And with Abiathar’s arrival, David now has one of God’s priests to help him spiritually discern God’s will. While enjoying the spoils of victory, Saul intends to come to Keilah to destroy David and his army. Even the people of the city that David has just freed, does not want to go against Saul and David is forced to move once again to avoid capture. But notice verse 13, now 600 men are with David. There are some from Keilah that appreciate what David has done.

G. Before we get into the next section, let’s learn from all of this. First, Samuel has been filled with a number of contrasts. Such is the case here. While Saul is killing God’s priests and citizens in the city of Nob, David is fighting against God’s enemies in another city. In fact, they are happening at the same time. How hard it is to keep our focus when we forget who the real enemy is. Saul forgot that the Philistines were the enemy not David and certainly not God’s priests and citizens. Let’s not forget who the real enemy is. Those inside this building are not our enemies. Those outside these walls are not our enemies. Let’s use this time to reaffirm our commitment to each other as well as our God. (Lord’s Supper)

A. David is living in the desert. Trying to stay out of sight. But with 600 men and having to provide for them all, sooner or later, Saul will find him. Such is the case. While Saul is getting ready to go after David yet again, Jonathan reappears. Saul can’t find David but Jonathan can. And he goes out to encourage David. He goes to help David find strength in God. And he confirms what he knows is absolutely true — David is going to be king and he, Jonathan, will be second. In other words, he will take a lower position.

B. Jonathan reports what he has heard in secret. Saul is afraid of David. Saul knows he is going to lose. Jonathan tells David that the outcome is secure. That would be encouraging. Did it slow down the running? No. But it did help David to be more confident. Real encouragement tells the truth to another person so that confidence and assurance is built.

C. Everyone needs a Jonathan and everyone can be a Jonathan. It is really not very hard to be a Jonathan. Look for the good and say something positive. Help someone to see the truth. But most of all help others find their strength in the Lord. (Interview. Tell us about your friend. How is God using you to encourage her?)

D. How do we help someone to find their strength in God?

1. Let people know that you will pray for them and then remember to pray. Be sure to follow up with words of encouragement regularly to see how God is answering your prayer.

2. Find or make a small gift that includes a passage which can strengthen and encourage.

3. Be a Jonathan where you are. ILL. "Encouragement: Larry Crabb"

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