Be All That You Can Be

Scripture: I Samuel 20 Key Verse: 20:17
Once again Jonathan swore an oath to David because of his love for David. He loved David as much as [he loved] himself.

Objective:
This is the story of Jonathan being loyal to David. David comes to Jonathan son of King Saul and asks why it is that Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan knows nothing about the threat, and doesn't believe his father would do such a thing without him knowing about it. David asks jonathan to find out and let him hide until he does. Jonathan goes to dinner the next couple of days and finally Saul freaks out when David is no where to be found. Jonathan sees his dads true colors and helps david escape.

Application:
This is a great story about trust and loyalty. Once Jonathan realized the truth he stuck by David despite being threatened with being disowned and death. Jonathan believed in David and knew that the Lord was with him. He also understood what true love was about, sacrifice. Jesus said, " greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The greatest commandment was to love the Lord, your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbor as you loved yourself. Jonathan may not have heard these words spoken by Jesus, but he was living them out.

How often do we put others ahead of ourselves? Is there someone that may need something you have? I need to look around me and help out, then I will be the hero God has made me to be. We can truly only be heroes because Jesus shines through me and you. Loving yourself is important, but loving others is just as important. The army has a saying, "Be all that you can be." The only way to do this is to let God shine through you.

Prayer:
Lord, Shine through us! Be a part of our lives so greatly that people can't help but see you. Lord you are the true hero, help us love the way you loved, and live the way you lived.