Monday, February 22, 2016

In our last visit I introduced an important addition to the impact statement we’ve been studying. As important as it is to walk, work and worship with divine clarity as we live in the midst of human ambiguity and ambivalence we will not succeed if we try to do this in our own strength. We need divine companionship in the trenches of life. Joseph exhibited this while in Egypt. Jonathan, the other Old Testament example, likewise exhibited this in his life. One particular experience illustrates this. “While David was at Horesh…he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.’ The two of them made a covenant before the Lord” (1 Samuel 23:15-18). He could not have helped David find strength in God if he had not found strength in God for himself. Only with God working in and through him could Jonathan walk, work and worship with divine clarity in the midst of the human ambiguity surrounding his father’s relentless pursuit of David with the intent to kill him. In his intimate companionship with God he was enabled to encourage David while honoring his father. He illustrates the impact statement: God wants us to walk, work and worship with divine clarity and a growing relationship with Him, while we live in the midst of human ambiguity and ambivalence.