Shoulder To Shoulder | October 22, 2023 | David & Jonathan

Who is someone that you know is becoming closer to God because of your contribution to their life? Partners don’t just get together, they go together. Partners go together and see what God is doing, commit at cost, and offer honor that lasts. In the book of Samuel, David and Jonathan form an unexpected connection and commit to each other at all costs. When you welcome these kinds of partnerships, they are life-shaping. Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in your life that you honor? Who would honor you deeply?

KEY VERSES

  • 1 Samuel 18:1-4 NLT: 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

  • 1 Samuel 23:15-17 NLT: 15 One day near Horesh, David received the news that Saul was on the way to Ziph to search for him and kill him. 16 Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.”

  • 1 Samuel 18:2-4 NLT: 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

  • 1 Samuel 23:18 NLT: 18 So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.

  • 1 Samuel 19:4-5 NLT: 4 The next morning Jonathan spoke with his father about David, saying many good things about him. “The king must not sin against his servant David,” Jonathan said. “He’s never done anything to harm you. He has always helped you in any way he could. 5 Have you forgotten about the time he risked his life to kill the Philistine giant and how the Lord brought a great victory to all Israel as a result? You were certainly happy about it then. Why should you murder an innocent man like David? There is no reason for it at all!”

  • 2 Samuel 1:17-27 NLT: 17 Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan, 18 and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar. 19 Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills!Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen! 20 Don’t announce the news in Gath,don’t proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon,or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoiceand the pagans will laugh in triumph. 21 O mountains of Gilboa,let there be no dew or rain upon you,nor fruitful fields producing offerings of grain.For there the shield of the mighty heroes was defiled;the shield of Saul will no longer be anointed with oil. 22 The bow of Jonathan was powerful,and the sword of Saul did its mighty work.They shed the blood of their enemiesand pierced the bodies of mighty heroes. 23 How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!They were together in life and in death.They were swifter than eagles,stronger than lions. 24 O women of Israel, weep for Saul,for he dressed you in luxurious scarlet clothing,in garments decorated with gold. 25 Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen in battle!Jonathan lies dead on the hills. 26 How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan!Oh, how much I loved you!And your love for me was deep,deeper than the love of women! 27 Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen!Stripped of their weapons, they lie dead.

HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING

One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above and dive in deeper to this week’s message.

Recap

+ Reconnect

To begin the study, each person answers these questions:

  • What are you thankful for?
  • What is causing stress for our neighbors and people around us?
  • What can we as individuals or as a group do to help?

+ Recap

  • Have someone retell the story from your previous meeting.
  • Did you live out your response from last week?
  • Did you tell anyone else about the story from last week?

Discovering What God Is Saying

+ Read and Retell the Bible Story

  • One person reads the story out loud to the group.
  • Someone else in the group retells the story in their own words as they remember it, and others fill in what’s missing.

+ Read and Look

  • Read the passage again (different version if possible)
  • What does this passage say about God, Jesus, or His plan?

+ Read and Look Again

  • Have 1-2 more people retell the story as if they were telling a neighbor outside their home.
  • What does this passage say about people in general?

Doing What God Is Saying

+ Consider

  • What in me needs to change to better DO what God is showing me today?
  • How will you respond to/obey this passage in a tangible, perhaps even costly ways in the next 47 hours?
  • Have someone record these for prayer time, and for the beginning of the next meeting.

Sharing what God is saying

+ Praying Together

  • Take prayer requests
  • Pray together

+ Share

  • Who in your life needs to hear this story?
  • Who could you invite to study the Bible like this?

GIVING

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