The Monday Memo from John Stanko

Memo 957: For This Reason, A Man Shall Leave

Last week, we looked at the relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan saw David's future, which included the throne that Saul had, and Jonathan affirmed and endorsed David's claim to throne according to God's will. We saw Jonathan's remarkable words to David when he was discouraged:

"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. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh (1 Samuel 23:17-18).

Even though Jonathan knew this and boldly proclaimed it, that scenario sadly never came to pass. Let's  look at the reason it didn't in this week's Memo.

AN UNTIMELY DEATH

Jonathan never took his place next to David because he died in battle alongside his father and brothers:  "The Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua" (1 Samuel 31:2). I have a question to ask you. With the knowledge Jonathan had about his future with David, what was he doing with his worthless father, going into a battle they could not win?

Some people have answered that Jonathan was staying loyal to his father, the authority on the throne. Yet we know others had left their place to join David and wander with him as he was a king in roving exile. Others have told me that the Lord didn't direct Jonathan to go, and indeed the Bible would bear this out. Yet, did God need to tell Jonathan to join himself physically to the man God had spiritually and practically joined him to? Still others replied that Jonathan was a prince and belonged in the house of the king.

I say Jonathan could not bring himself to stand against his family, even though God had showed him the family head was murderous and actively at war with God's will for the throne. I don't think God needed to send Jonathan an engraved invitation to leave. The door was open but Jonathan could not bring himself to "leave his father and mother" and join himself to David, "forsaking all others," as we say at weddings. Because Jonathan could not deal with his father or the price he would pay to stand with David, he forfeited his right to fulfill his purpose. He died and David mourned him for the rest of his life. What's more, David never had a second-in-command during his reign because the man who was to serve in that capacity could not break with his family culture.

THE IMPLICATIONS FOR YOU

We are examining Jonathan's life to determine if he was a Proverbs 31 man, and I concluded last week that he was. Yet Jonathan's impact was limited because of his family. So what does this have to do with you? It is important that you as a Proverbs 31 man (or woman) follow God's will for your life and not let relationships sidetrack you. You cannot allow your supervisor, pastor, friends, children, spouse, or family hinder you from pursuing and fulfilling your purpose.

I hope you are not facing a situation as difficult as the one presented to Saul, Jonathan and David. No matter how tough the situation, however, you must steward your purpose and do so on an ongoing basis. You must oversee it and not allow anyone to talk you out of it, or keep you from being the fullest, best expression of who God created you to be.

As you enter this week, you need to take an honest look at your life and purpose.  Have you listened to a negative, discouraging report from someone about you and your abilities? Have you put your purpose on the shelf to please or serve someone else? Have you spent time trying to tell God why you aren't the one to do what it is that is in your heart?  

As you answer these questions, please remember Jonathan who knew his purpose but lost it because he could not admit his father was a scoundrel who did not have anyone's best interests at heart but his own. You will answer to no one but God for the results of what He has assigned you to do. I urge you this week to determine in your heart that your top priority is to please Him and not family bonds or traditions. Have a great week!

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ONLINE PURPOSE CLASSES. I will begin online purpose classes on July 25 that run for four weeks. Read this post to learn how you can register. There is a class free, but you can apply for a scholarship or make payments. Space is limited so act today.

PURPOSEQUEST INTERNATIONAL MOBILE APP: If you haven't already, take a moment to download my free mobile app that has many helpful videos that discuss how to find your purpose, creativity, and how to write a book along with many of my preached sermons.

PURPOSE STUDY BIBLE: I am well into Genesis as part of my latest Bible study project called the Purpose Study Bible. Each week, I examine the concepts of purpose and creativity as they appear in the Old Testament. I started in Genesis but will move through the other OT books as the Lord allows. You can read the studies here (40 so far) and also subscribe to receive them as they are published on that page as well. 

Memo 956: A Friend Indeed

I have tried to write about lesser known figures in the Bible to highlight in my Proverbs 31 Men series, which we began last January. If you would like to catch up and read some of the other entries on men like Apollos, Timothy, the brothers John and James, or many other profiles, just go to this link and read to your heart's content. This week and next, I want to look at a man who may be better known than most in this series, and his name is Jonathan, the beloved friend of King David. Let's learn what made him a candidate to be labeled a Proverbs 31 man.

WHO WAS THIS MAN?

I assume you are aware of the story that includes King Saul, Jonathan, and David. If not, you can about them in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. There we learn that Saul was chosen to be Israel's first king, but because of his disobedience, God rejected him and chose to anoint another man who was after God's own heart to succeed Saul. The problem was that Saul was still on the throne and did not take kindly to the idea of his successor being around. In fact, David was his son-in-law, but that did not deter Saul from pursuing him with murderous intent.

It is remarkable that Jonathan, who was Saul's son and heir apparent to the throne, befriended David! We read in 1 Samuel 18:1-4,

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

After all, it was the custom for the older son to become king after his father's death, but Jonathan did not see David as a threat but rather as a friend and covenant brother. He symbolically clothed his friend with his prince's garb to identify David as a special, anointed leader. Later, when David was fleeing from Jonathan's father to save his life, Jonathan encouraged David with these words:

"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. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh (1 Samuel 23:17-18).

Jonathan clearly and publicly acknowledged God's plan that David's purpose was to be king and Jonathan's role was to serve him as his right hand man. Jonathan was relinquishing his claim to the throne and expressing his willingness to accept the position and purpose that God had for him. I find this truly amazing and it qualifies Jonathan as a special man—a Proverbs 31 man.

HIS QUALIFICATIONS    

On two occasions prior to these meetings with David, Jonathan had distinguished himself as a wise leader who was better equipped than his father to lead. One instance was when Saul put the army under a curse if anyone ate anything before their battle was over and won. Not knowing this, Jonathan ate some honey, and when he was told of his father's words, he replied,

“My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey. How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?” (1 Samuel 14:29-30).

Jonathan was a better commander and handler of men than his father. Prior to the honey incident, Jonathan had led the people to a great victory by attacking the Philistines even though no one had a weapon but Jonathan:

Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre (1 Samuel 14:13-14).

I would argue that Jonathan qualifies as a Proverbs 31 man because he used his leadership power and position not to build his own kingdom but to establish David's. What's more, Jonathan opposed his father on more than one occasion, standing up to the powerful on behalf of the weak or standing in when his father was a coward. Jonathan was interested in God's justice and not that of his flawed father, so he sided with the Lord and His anointed in the nation of Israel. Jonathan was quite a man and fulfilled the old adage that says, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Next week, we will see, however, that the word Jonathan had for his position in David's kingdom never came to pass, and we will learn why.

For now, I want to address men and challenge them to be Jonathans where you are. Stand against tyrants even if they are closely related to you. Encourage others in the will of God for their lives even if it costs you something—or they are in a position you want or hoped to have. Don't crave power or position, but instead actively search for ways to serve others. Take your place as a servant to those over you, not in silly or slavish ways, but by adding your strength to their strength to stand for justice and unity. Imagine what the church and world would be like if men renounced power, resisted envy, and ran in their lanes as they used their strength and position for the good of others. What a wonderful world that would be. Have a blessed week.

Memo 955: Alms and Prayers

My goal in this Proverbs 31 series has been to highlight lesser-known men in Scripture who embodied these four principles:

1. Using leadership power to benefit and not harm those who are weaker.
2. Being concerned for social justice.
3. Honoring women.
4. Serving in leadership capacities as "elders at the gate," where wisdom and justice are dispensed.

I do this so men will read, learn from these example,s and take their places in the world as their own version of a Proverbs 31 man. This week, let's look at another Roman military officer, this one was stationed at Caesarea on the coast, but still under the command of Herod and Caesar. He was there as part of a police force to maintain order and his name was Cornelius.

WHO WAS THIS MAN?

We learn what we know of this man in Acts 10:

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa (Acts 10:1-8).

There is so much to highlight from that passage! Cornelius was walking in light and truth apart from the Jewish religion and nation. He prayed and gave money to the poor, and had gone as far as he could go spiritually without Christ, so an angel appeared to him but could not lead him to the waters of baptism. Peter had to do that, but obviously this man had been seeking the Lord about direction for his life for the angel said Peter would tell him what to do (see Acts 10:22). Cornelius must have been seeking the Lord for direction.

It is of note that Cornelius good deeds had come before God as a memorial, which speaks to the power of the spiritual practices of prayer and generosity. What's more, this man's faith in God had infected his entire household and workforce, for he sent two servants and a devout soldier to summon Peter, who was 30 miles away in Joppa.

MANAGING HIS HOUSEHOLD

Paul described the qualifications for those who would serve as elders in the church of God. One of those requirements was outlined in 1 Timothy 3:4: "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect." We do not know if Cornelius had children, but we do know that many of his relatives relocated to Judea and made their home there just so they could be close to Cornelius. He rewarded their loyalty and they respected and responded to his leadership when they assembled at his direction:

The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people (Acts 10:24-27).

Cornelius had power but he did not abuse that power because he feared God. He used his power and position to influence those around him and, when it mattered most, to lead them to the truth found only in Christ. The Holy Spirit was so pleased with what He beheld in that man that He moved on the assembly while Peter was still preaching and filled them all with His presence. I would assume that women and children were among the gathering that day of the Gentile Pentecost.

We need Proverbs 31 men today who will manage their households as Cornelius did his. A man's family knows him best of all, and that proximity must produce a cohesive family culture that includes faith, or a divisive culture that drives members away. Where single-parent homes led by women exist, those same men must do what they can to help those women have a male presence in their households—and the single mothers must see and accept the importance of that presence as well. Where the family cannot provide that presence, then the Church should do what it can.

There are plenty of examples of men in the Bible, and in real life, who abused their power and strength and would therefore not qualify to be listed in the Proverbs 31 category, but Cornelius is one who does. What can you learn from his life? If nothing else, you should see that God watches your daily good deeds and spiritual disciplines. They ascend to heaven as a memorial and they do mean something to Him. I urge you to be a Proverbs 31 man (or woman) whom God can call on not only to impart truth but who is then in a position to share that truth with those closest to you. Have a blessed week!

Memo 954: Great Faith

We have about seven weeks to go in our Proverbs 31 Men series, which is looking to stimulate men in the church to rise up and be active in their walk and faith beyond church attendance. I have chosen four attributes that qualify anyone in the Bible or today to be labeled a Proverbs 31 man:

1. Using leadership power to benefit and not harm those who are weaker.
2. Being concerned for social justice.
3. Honoring women.
4. Serving in leadership capacities as "elders at the gate," where wisdom and justice are dispensed.

The week, let's look at another outsider to the faith in Israel, this time someone who was part of the occupying force maintaining Roman rule in Galilee. We know him as the centurion whose servant Jesus healed.

WHO WAS THIS MAN?

First, let's read the brief account:

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well (Luke 7:1-10).

We know from John the Baptist's admonition to the soldiers in Luke 3:14, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" that soldiers often used their position and power to extort money from the powerless. This centurion did the exact opposite, having built a synagogue for the locals, probably one where Jesus had already taught. He had used his power to empower others, which already qualifies him for the Proverbs 31 moniker. 

The Jewish leaders testified to this man's love, which led him to be active in social justice despite the fact that his nation and military had often done nothing of the kind. The Jews actually interceded with Jesus on behalf of this man, which was remarkable in and of itself, but then the centurion did something that caused Jesus to commend him for his great faith.

GREAT FAITH

The centurion sent word for Jesus not to proceed to his home, for he was not worthy to receive him. Perhaps his home was not kosher and he did not want to defile Jesus. As a military man, he understood the issue of authority and knew that he, the centurion, did not have to be present for his orders to be obeyed. He could just send his word, and he had faith that Jesus could do the same. What's more, he was asking for healing not for himself or his family, but for his trusted servant, whom he must have loved greatly. In fact, this centurion seemed to have a compassionate, loving heart for many people, Jew and Gentile alike.

This centurion literally took Jesus' breathe away because he had faith—practical, living, common sense faith. The centurion reasoned in his mind and came to the conclusion that Jesus could heal from a distance and then acted out his belief by preventing Jesus from coming any farther than he had. Jesus shook His head in wonder and said something about him he said about no one else.

What have you done lately to build relationships with those who do not have your privilege or wealth? What practical steps have you taken to show your love for those among whom you live or work? When is the last time your faith took Jesus' breath away? What faith conclusions are you coming to and how are you walking them out? The centurion qualifies on all points that he was a Proverbs 31 man and Jesus gave him a two-thumbs up endorsement. That is what I want as well, which I think also comes in the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Have a blessed week, Proverbs 31 men and women!