1S23-10: When God Says No – Finding Joy In His Perfect Plan

“Y’honatan Sha’ul’s son set out and went to David at Horesh to encourage him in God.  He said to him, ‘Don’t be afraid, because my father’s forces will not find you; you will be king over Isra’el, and I will be second to you. Sha’ul my father knows this, too.'”-1 Samuel 23:16-17

I wanna show you another Messianic pattern that springs to life through David in 1st Samuel chapter 23.

So we’re told that Jonathan visited David to offer encouragement.

This is what he told him:

‘Don’t be afraid,
because my father’s forces will not find you;
you will be king over Isra’el,
and I will be second to you.
Sha’ul my father knows this, too.'”

Here’s the thing.

These were not mere words of comfort.

This was a divine prophecy being uttered.

Saul’s army would NOT be able to capture David…

And David would become the next King of Israel.

No force on the planet was gonna stop that.

Jonathan further added his father was also aware his kingdom would soon end.

Here’s what I would like you to catch.

David didn’t deny what Jonathan was saying.

See, David was slowly but surely becoming aware of his God-ordained destiny.

In terms of a Messianic pattern…

Wasn’t this the same thing that happened with Yeshua of Nazareth?

If you study the Gospel narratives carefully, it isn’t like Yeshua popped out of the womb with instant awareness he was the Son of God.

He grew into that awareness as he became an adult.

Let’s look at the next pattern.

Jonathan reminded David he would be second in rank to David.

There’s an interesting Hebrew word used here.

It is MISNEH or מִשְׁנֶה.

It means a “double” or “copy.”

But in this context, it means “second in command.”

For example, take a look at this verse:

“…and had him ride in his second best chariot; and they cried before him, “Bow down!” Thus he placed him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”-Genesis 41:43

Here’s the original Hebrew:

אֹת֗וֹ בְּמִרְכֶּ֤בֶת הַמִּשְׁנֶה֙ אֲשֶׁר־ ל֔וֹ.

The Hebrew word for “second best” here is MISNEH.

It’s also the same word you’ll find in the following verse:

“For Mordekhai the Jew was second only to King Achashverosh; he was a great man among the Jews, popular with all his many countrymen. He sought the good of his people and interceded for the welfare of all their descendants.”-Esther 10:3

Alrighty, enough of the Hebrew lesson.

Let’s transition over to the takeaway.

Contrary to how fleshly man thinks, Jonathan’s ego and pride were not offended he would not become the next King of Israel.

He was happy for David

He had what I’d call a mature Godly perspective.

What do I mean by mature?

I mean that Jonathan cared less about himself and more about being in alignment with God’s Will…

And if it was God’s Will that David becomes king…

He should rejoice in the matter.

Now isn’t that the attitude we should all adopt?

Instead of selfishly clinging to our fleshly thoughts, goals, and desires…

Aren’t we told to leave them at the cross?

Aren’t we told to crucify our flesh?

And until we do that, God’s power will not work through us. 

Let those who have ears to listen, SHEMA!

To close, tragically, Jonathan would never become second in command to David.

Soon Jonathan would die alongside his father on the battlefield.

This exchange recorded here in 1st Samuel 23 would be the last time the two ever meet again.

The lesson here is…

Despite what all the new age gurus say about how we are gods and can control our reality, the Scriptures paint a different picture.

We all have hopes and desires…

Goals that we desperately want to achieve…

If God gives you the power to accomplish what you want…

REJOICE!

And if He doesn’t allow you to achieve your goals…

REJOICE!

That’s right homie.

Rejoice either way…

Because if you’re in God’s Will…

No matter how tough things are right now…

It’s all going to turn out for the good in the end.

Ya feel me?

Over and out.

CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

“Father, if Thou be willing,
remove this cup from Me;
nevertheless not My will,
but Thine be done.”
-Luke 22:42