Truth, Life and Death

Synopsis     1Sam 20:3-12     10/8/2018

Saul was trying to kill David. So, David ran from him. Then David went to Jonathan. And he informed him of Saul’s efforts to kill him. At first, Jonathan couldn’t believe that Saul would try to kill David again.

Still, Jonathan agreed to seek out Saul’s intent by testing him. He and David contrived a plan where David would go missing. They agreed that, if Saul became angry at David’s absence, then his intent was to kill David.

They also agreed to meet in the open field at a certain time of the day. At the appointed time, Jonathan promised to inform David or what he had discovered.

Truth Seeking

David wasn’t under any illusions. He knew that Saul was trying to kill him. But what he didn’t understand was why. He wanted to understand what he could do to be reconciled.

Jonathan was incredulous at the news. He couldn’t believe that Saul had once again determined to kill David. And it was especially hard to believe because Saul consulted Jonathan on every issue concerning the kingdom.

So the two friends were at a stalemate. They needed to discover the truth so they could take coherent action to protect David.

Truth, Life and Death

When the stakes are low, it’s easy to hold all sorts of different beliefs. But when the stakes are life or death, then I have to know the truth in order to respond.

But truth comes to me through a multiplicity of witnesses. Therefore, when the stakes are life and death, then I need other people. I need a multiplicity of witnesses. No mere opinion matters. Nothing else will do.

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32