Friday, February 18, 2011

Name It!

1 Samuel 20:4
“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’.”

Gary Chapman, in his book The Five Languages of Love, wrote about the importance of expressing love to your partner in the manner they best understand. It can be through words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. As a parent, I find the last one most appreciated by my kids. And so I try to find ways to fill this love tank to the best of my ability, and budget :> From chocolates to stickers, cookies to toy-lets (haha!), I keep these supplies within reach as an anytime surprise. But there’s also that different delight when I ask the daring, no holds barred question, ‘What surprise do you want?’ It’s a joy at both ends. They’re puffed up to get THEIR idea of cravings, and it’s always a pleasure to carry it out. Of course I knew they wouldn’t ask for Little Tikes or Wii games. For if they’re exposed with those, I wouldn’t open the limitless sky, haha!

Hearing his friend’s misery from maltreatment, Jonathan offered him not just sympathy, but service. He knew David has never wronged them. He mentioned that to Saul himself in the previous chapter. But with these turn of events, he’s being pushed to take sides. He’s understandably confused, but not blinded. Holding on to truth and trusting his friend, he asked ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’. He has proven David’s worth and walk. That’s his certificate of confidence. And David did not fail him again. He could have taken this advantage and asked him to readily force in a battle against Saul. They’re both respected and able leaders. They could easily organize a coup, if they weren’t God-fearing. David considered the struggle Jonathan is going through. His sensitivity and selflessness caused him to allow Jonathan to confirm it for himself. That's what friends do. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that when the blind Bartimaeus called Jesus ‘the Son of David’, our Messiah uttered the same words, “What do you want me to do for you?’  In His sovereignty, this could still be in honor of David’s unfailing kindness to Jonathan’s line. Can’t help praising God for how His kingdom works!

A covenant of love is always two-sided. God offered to grant all things asked in His name and if according to His will. What we ask, it will be given. When we seek, we will find. When we knock, He will open. Oh how we all love His promises! But as children, we don’t just enjoy house privileges, we share in the responsibilities too. That’s our side of the love relationship. God wants to shower us with blessings but sometimes our hearts are not yet ready for the taking. David has proven it with his worth and walk. Have we completed ours?
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Name It!

1 Samuel 20:4
“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’.”

Gary Chapman, in his book The Five Languages of Love, wrote about the importance of expressing love to your partner in the manner they best understand. It can be through words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. As a parent, I find the last one most appreciated by my kids. And so I try to find ways to fill this love tank to the best of my ability, and budget :> From chocolates to stickers, cookies to toy-lets (haha!), I keep these supplies within reach as an anytime surprise. But there’s also that different delight when I ask the daring, no holds barred question, ‘What surprise do you want?’ It’s a joy at both ends. They’re puffed up to get THEIR idea of cravings, and it’s always a pleasure to carry it out. Of course I knew they wouldn’t ask for Little Tikes or Wii games. For if they’re exposed with those, I wouldn’t open the limitless sky, haha!

Hearing his friend’s misery from maltreatment, Jonathan offered him not just sympathy, but service. He knew David has never wronged them. He mentioned that to Saul himself in the previous chapter. But with these turn of events, he’s being pushed to take sides. He’s understandably confused, but not blinded. Holding on to truth and trusting his friend, he asked ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’. He has proven David’s worth and walk. That’s his certificate of confidence. And David did not fail him again. He could have taken this advantage and asked him to readily force in a battle against Saul. They’re both respected and able leaders. They could easily organize a coup, if they weren’t God-fearing. David considered the struggle Jonathan is going through. His sensitivity and selflessness caused him to allow Jonathan to confirm it for himself. That's what friends do. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that when the blind Bartimaeus called Jesus ‘the Son of David’, our Messiah uttered the same words, “What do you want me to do for you?’  In His sovereignty, this could still be in honor of David’s unfailing kindness to Jonathan’s line. Can’t help praising God for how His kingdom works!

A covenant of love is always two-sided. God offered to grant all things asked in His name and if according to His will. What we ask, it will be given. When we seek, we will find. When we knock, He will open. Oh how we all love His promises! But as children, we don’t just enjoy house privileges, we share in the responsibilities too. That’s our side of the love relationship. God wants to shower us with blessings but sometimes our hearts are not yet ready for the taking. David has proven it with his worth and walk. Have we completed ours?