Destitution and Transition

Synopsis     1Sam 20:35-21:3     10/13/2018

Jonathan went out from the city on the third day. As planned, he arrived at the meeting place on time. And then, using the code they had previously agreed to, Jonathan alerted David to Saul’s intention to kill him.

Despite his intent to remain hidden, David approached Jonathan. They both affirmed their friendship. And Jonathan reminded David of the covenant between them – that Jonathan’s family would always be cared for by David.

David then departed and went into exile. He immediately went to Abimelech the priest at Nob. He went there in search of provisions.

David In Transition

David knew that things had changed. With Jonathan’s signal, it immediately became clear that little about his life would ever be the same. He would never again be a beloved general over King Saul’s army. And, he might never again see his wife. And, he would never be able to visit his friends. Nor could he ever visit his home and family. In fact, he could not even be seen amongst his people.

And he could not worship God at the tabernacle.

It was a moment of utter destitution. It was the bottom.

And so it was – a new beginning.

It was the transition to a new life.

Destitution and Transition

It doesn’t happen every day. But certain days have come in my life. And on those certain days, I came to understand that nothing would ever be the same again. In a moment, I suddenly realized that the things I had formally known would no longer be a part of my life. And what was to come next was not at all clear.

A transition had begun.

It was a challenge to meet. It was the feeling of grief over things lost. And it was the feeling of anxiety because of the uncertainty in the things to come. It was the feeling of wariness in a time when trusted relationships were either broken or betrayed.

And for me, it was the opportunity to trust in an ever deeper way. So there were tears and sadness and feelings of fear all mixed together. But despite all of this, there was the knowledge that God would see me through.

“For his anger lasts but a moment; his favor a lifetime. At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing.” Psalms 30:6