God’s People on Mission
Jonathan: Life in the background
Leadership can be difficult, and it can be very lonely – but it doesn’t have to be. For a young man like David, to be taken from the hills around Bethlehem where he’d been tending his father’s sheep, to the household of King Saul in Gibeah. To know the mantle of kingship rested on his shoulders, and the favour and the promises of the Lord over his life and his future, and the expectations of the people who sang his praises after he’d killed Goliath. Despite the adventure all around and ahead of him, it would have been a lonely journey.
It is undoubtedly part of the reason why the bond he shared with Jonathan was so strong and so meaningful to him. This is all the more remarkable given the knowledge that Saul expected the throne to be passed on to his son, certainly not to the shepherd David. When Saul’s jealousy of David was escalating, Jonathan’s friendship and support was deepening. We read:
Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armour, and even his sword and his bow and his belt (1 Samuel 18:1 – 4)
Jonathan put David’s interests ahead of his own – he loved him, supported him, he had his back, and he equipped him with all he needed to be successful and to take his place in God’s plan.
In life and ministry today, we rarely have people coming for our life like David was facing, but the loneliness and other challenges are real none the less. And so it is a reminder for us to seek out, to value, and to give thanks for the Jonathan’s that God knits to our soul. Or maybe it is that we ourselves might consider who are the leaders around us that we can throw our unwavering support behind.
Throughout the Bible we see pictures of the loneliness of leadership, but we equally see the wonders that are achieved with the support of those who faithfully stand and uphold their leader.
Barnabas went out of his way to go after Paul, bringing him to the leaders of the church, travelling with him on Mission, and even passing the baton as leader to become the follower along that journey.
When Moses’ arms grew weary on the mountain as Joshua and the Israelites were battling the armies of the Amorites, it was Aaron and Hur that held up his arms that ensured the victory was won before the day was completed.
Jesus knew the value of strength in numbers as he sent the disciples off in pairs to minister in the surrounding towns.
I know that there are times when circumstances bring us to a place where are forced, and equipped in the Lord, to minister and Witness to the Grace and Lordship of Jesus when we are on our own – but the Biblical principle is well made, that unless the Lord calls otherwise, we should seek to go with company, and in unity.
This is especially true when witnessing on the streets, but it is also true in Children’s Ministry, Youth, Bible Study and Pastoral Care situations. If you are needing to go alone, pray that God will raise up someone alongside you. If you see someone going alone, offer go with them if you can, if you can’t, then pray with them before they minister and cover them in prayer while they are there.
I believe that God has a very special place and reward for the Jonathan’s and Barnabas’ and Aaron’s and Hur’s. People who don’t want or need to take the place of prominence, or have willingly humbled themselves in order that others can flourish in ministry for the sake of the Lord.
Lonely leaders are more vulnerable, susceptible to discouragement, burnout, falling into sin, becoming tired and bitter, and while it doesn’t excuse their sin when that happens, maybe it is us who share that blame because we shouldn’t have ever left them isolated.
Keep your eye out for those who are lonely in leadership or service of the Lord – pray for them at least, let them know you see them, and support them however you can. It might help avoid disaster, or even be part of a great victory – and it won’t go unnoticed by our Lord.
