Monday, March 24

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 83

GodStory:

In our readings for today, David’s experience of Saul and Jonathan feels right out of a Hollywood screenplay. With King Saul, David encountered jealousy: “Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days” (1 Sam 18:29). With Saul’s son Jonathan, David encountered loyalty. “Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord…’” (1 Sam 20:42)

OurStory:

Jealousy is a haunting vice, stirring murderous thoughts and sometimes even actions. Loyalty is a heroic virtue, stirring sacrificial thoughts and actions. In Jesus’ life we see how the  jealousy of the religious leaders led to his false accusations and unjust execution. But we also see how the loyalty of Jesus led him to stay faithful to his Father and his love for all people, despite the cost and the pain. In OurStory and relationships today, we have a choice: follow Jesus in the way of loyalty and service or follow the way of Saul and others like him in the way of jealousy and destruction.

Blessing:

May you be the kind of friend who remains loyal despite the cost and the pain, so that others may experience the loyalty of Christ through you.

~Pastor Josh Kleinfeld

 Daily Prayer Focus: All who suffer from mental illness