How can we advocate for others facing unjust treatment in our communities? The Scene: Jonathan Steps In 1 Samuel 19:4: “So Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let the king not sin against his servant David. He has not sinned against you; indeed, his actions have been a great advantage to you.’” Jonathan sees injustice brewing—Saul wants David dead—and immediately chooses words and actions that seek justice, protect the innocent, and call the wrongdoer to repent. Lessons on Advocacy from Jonathan • Speak well of the accused: Jonathan “spoke well of David,” highlighting truth rather than gossip or rumor. • Confront authority respectfully: He addresses Saul as “the king,” honoring the office while challenging the sin. • Present evidence: “He has not sinned against you… his actions have been a great advantage to you.” Jonathan backs his plea with facts. • Stand in the gap early: He acts before Saul swings the spear, preventing violence instead of only mourning after it happens. • Risk personal cost: Saul’s volatile nature meant Jonathan’s defense might have turned on him; love counts the cost and still steps forward. Practical Steps for Us Today • Identify the Davids—neighbors, co-workers, students, immigrants, unborn, elderly—anyone vulnerable to unjust treatment. • Gather truth—facts, testimonies, Scripture—so our advocacy rests on reality, not emotion alone. • Speak up in the right arenas: – Private conversations (as Jonathan first approached Saul) – Public forums, school boards, city councils – Social circles where rumors spread • Use respectful language that appeals to conscience, not just emotion. • Pray beforehand (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and then take decisive action. • Offer practical support: rides to court, legal help, groceries, safe housing. • Persist even when the first attempt fails; Jonathan repeatedly interceded for David (1 Samuel 20). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for those with no voice… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” • Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow.” • Psalm 82:3-4: “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.” • Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • James 2:15-17: Faith must express itself in tangible help. • Luke 10:33-37: The Samaritan refused to pass by; compassion translates into cost and care. Character Check: Motives and Courage • Love, not applause—Galatians 1:10 warns against people-pleasing. • Truth, not exaggeration—Ephesians 4:25 calls us to “speak truth each one to his neighbor.” • Humility—Philippians 2:3 reminds us to esteem others as better than ourselves. • Steadfastness—1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Guardrails Against Compromise • No partiality—Leviticus 19:15 commands just judgment, favoring neither rich nor poor. • No retaliation—Romans 12:17-19 forbids personal vengeance; advocacy seeks justice, not revenge. • Stay within God’s moral boundaries—Ephesians 5:11: “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” When Advocacy Costs Something • Expect misunderstanding (John 15:18-20). • Accept possible loss of position or reputation (Hebrews 13:13). • Trust God with outcomes—Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.” Fruit God Promises • Protection for the righteous (Psalm 34:19). • A witness that softens hearts—Saul relented temporarily (1 Samuel 19:6). • Joy of obedience—John 15:10-11 links love-driven commands to full joy. • Eternal reward—Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” |
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