FRIEND OR FOE OF THE GODLY?

Synopsis of Message Preached at FEBC Mersing Retreat 2024

Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-9

The book of 1 Samuel focuses on the contrast between David and Saul. David was a man after God’s own heart. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God declared to the disobedient Saul, “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” This meant that Saul, in contrast with David, was a man after his own heart. An examination of the conduct and character of these two individuals would thus make for a fascinating study that will bring much profit to the humble seeker of God’s Word.

However, the text for our consideration today contrasts Saul with his son Jonathan. One was a true friend to David, but the other was a fierce enemy.

David by this time had shown himself before the public to be a godly and spiritual man. He was used by the Lord to defeat the gigantic Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. While the rest of the army of Israel cowered in fear, David drew courage in the Lord for he understood that Goliath was puny before God. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? …Is there not a cause?” proclaimed David. Thus, his heart for God was manifest before the children of Israel that day. Moreover, David continued to conduct himself with heavenly wisdom before all, and the Lord prospered his ways (v.5). The public knew that the Lord was with him.

What an irony then it is that there were two different responses to this godly man from the same royal family! This teaches us that friends and foes of the godly can be found even within the same family.

The question we want to ask ourselves today is, are you a friend or foe of the godly?

Be a True Friend to the Godly (v.1-4)

We are first introduced to Jonathan who was a true friend to the godly David. Having observed the conduct of David, he recognised a kindred spirit whose heart genuinely desired that God should get all the glory. The Scriptures record that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and he loved David as his own soul (v.1, 3). These expressions revealed their inseparable affection and faithfulness toward each other. Their bonds of friendship would be proven in later events when Saul became intensely set in destroying David. Jonathan was faithful to his friend to the end.

Why was there such a strong bond between the two friends? The reason was that this bond was rooted in God and His Word. Both of them were devoted to magnifying God in their lives, and were determined to help one another achieve God’s will in their lives. Jonathan was a man after God’s own heart just like David. Thus, their friendship stood the test of time as it was not build on a flimsy ground of sand, but in the firm ground of the Rock of Ages. Thus, if we seek to be true friends with the godly, we too must cultivate and guard our hearts and minds in godliness.

Jonathan proceeded to make a covenant with David to show how serious he was in his friendship with him. As a sign of their friendship, Jonathan took of his royal robe, and all that was on him (garments, sword, bow and girdle) and gave them to David. The message was that Jonathan was willing to use all that God has given to him to advance God’s plan in David’s life.

Let us also observe that these items belong to the crown prince. Which prince will give his royal wear and garb to his subject? It is common in the world for crown princes to be the next in line for kingship. In the case of Jonathan, the world would regard him as the crown prince to be the next king. However, Jonathan recognised the divine election of David to be king. Such was the humility and selflessness of Jonathan that he was willing to give of his all, yea, even his “right” to be the next king so that David can fulfil God’s will in his life to be the king of Israel.

Are you willing to give your all to your friend so that God’s will can be fulfilled in his life? “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) As fellow labourer in Christ, we should seek to help one another, especially those who are godly and faithful, to grow in their service to the Lord.

Do Not Be an Enemy to the Godly (v. 5-9)

We now arrive at the example of Saul who could not be any different from Jonathan. David did no wrong to Saul. In fact, David proved himself to be an asset to Saul as God gave David the grace to have victory in the battles and other affairs. Nevertheless, Saul was dead set against David.

The tipping point came after a victorious battle over the Philistines. As the army of the living God returned, the joyous ladies sang a ditty, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (v.7)

A reasonable king should be pleased that he had such a capable subject that was able to lead the army to victory. The people were pleased that the king (who was more than capable in battle) had such a mighty soldier who can gain victory for the nation. The ditty was no slight to Saul but an expression of thankful hearts that there were such strong warriors in the midst of Israel.

However, Saul viewed things very differently. As he was a man after his own heart, he only had self-interest. David’s name cannot be greater than his. Thus, he fell into great jealousy.

Moreover, Saul knew of God’s judgment that the kingdom of Israel would be given to another and this judgment would not be reversed. Samuel told Saul in 1 Samuel 15:28- 29, “The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” Instead of submitting to God’s judgment, Saul waved a fist in the face of God’s will. He would do anything to resist the will of God, even though he knew that it would be fruitless. Such was the pride and rebellion in the heart of Saul.

Saul could not take his eyes off David from that day onwards – not because of admiration, but because he was filled with envy. He could not swallow that David was better than him. Nor could he in his pride bring himself to repent of his sins and turn to God. For the rest of his life, he would be devoted in destroying David by all means to the point of unreasonableness and irrationality. Nevertheless, he could not escape the judgment of God, and at the last battle which he fought, he decided to take his own life.

When you see others (especially those who may be close to you) having a greater increase than you in the service for the Lord, is your heart full of rejoicing in how the Lord has used them to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ? Or are you filled with deep sorrow, hatred and envy?

Conclusion

Dear readers, if we profess to be Christians, we should be like David and Jonathan who were men after God’s own heart, and not like Saul who was after his own heart. When we do not take care to cultivate a biblical mind, and guard our hearts from such ungodly jealousy and hatred, we can easily become like Saul and be a foe to the godly. The impact is even greater when such ungodly jealousy and hatred is found among ministers of the Word or labourers in the field. How many churches are destroyed and souls thrown into disarrayed because those who ought to be friends have become foes? How much more can we do if we are lovingly united in the truth? Be a friend to the godly, and not a foe. Let God be glorified in all things.

Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew