Open Hands: David & Jonathan (04/10/2026)
This sermon continues the series on the life of David, focusing on 1 Samuel 18 — the moment David's rise brings out two very different responses from the people around him. Nathan explores three themes: how we respond when God raises someone else, how comparison is a thief that turns gratitude into grievance, and what God has already placed in our hands to use for others.
In the first section, the picture is of David fresh from his victory over Goliath — successful wherever Saul sends him, approved by the people and the servants alike. Into this moment of rising visibility comes a question: what do we do when God raises someone around us? Nathan draws out Jonathan's response — a man with his own courage, his own faith, his own victories, and every right to expect the throne, yet he makes room for David. He gives him his robe, his armour, his sword, his bow, his belt — costly, personal, covenantal gifts. Nathan lingers on the challenge: can we appreciate someone else's gifts and still make space for them, or do we hold them at a comfortable distance? Someone else's calling does not cancel what God is calling you to. He points to John the Baptist as the perfect example — his disciples come to him worried that Jesus is drawing crowds, and John simply says, "He must increase, and I must decrease." The invitation is to step back so others can grow, to work ourselves out of a job, to leave space for people to mature rather than keeping them dependent on us.
In the second section, Nathan turns to Saul. The atmosphere shifts when the women come out singing, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was being praised too — the song recognised his achievements — but because the greater praise went to David, Saul's gratitude curdled into grievance. Nathan's insight is piercing: Saul was happy with his opportunity until he saw David's, thankful for his progress until he started measuring it against someone else's. Comparison is a thief. It can make a person's confidence look like arrogance, their opportunities seem unfair, their prayers feel like a personal insult. Nathan is clear that Saul's trouble didn't begin with this song — Samuel had already confronted Saul's disobedience and announced that the kingdom would be given to another. David didn't create the situation; Saul's response to David revealed his resistance to what God was doing. Nathan gets personal here, sharing about people speaking about him behind his back and how it surfaced something in him that needed dealing with. The honest prayer becomes: "Lord, why does this bother me so much? Why do I find it difficult to thank you for what you're doing in them?" We don't have to dress jealousy up in spiritual language — we can confess it and ask God to change us.
In the third section, Nathan lands the sermon with a question that ties the whole message together: what has God put in your hand? Both Jonathan and Saul used what they already possessed — Jonathan gave his sword, Saul threw his spear — but with very different intentions. Nathan connects this to Exodus 4, where God asks Moses, "What is in your hand?" and Moses has only a staff. The point isn't the object; it's the obedience. God wanted Moses to use what he already had. Nathan then makes it intensely practical: what do you already know how to do? Who has God already put around you? It might be cooking an extra portion for someone going through a hard time, making a phone call to someone who's alone, using practical skills to help someone who can't afford a repair, sitting with someone in grief because you've walked through it yourself, or reading the Bible with a new person in the congregation. He shares a personal story about Mark Hubbard, who went out of his way to bring takeaway food to Nathan and Hannah when their daughter Evelyn was born — a small gesture that revealed deep character and left a lasting impression. Nathan points to 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul challenges the part of the body that says "Because I'm not like them, I don't belong" — every part belongs, and you don't need an exciting gift to make a contribution.
Central Message:
When God raises someone else, our response reveals the state of our heart. We can open our hands in generous love like Jonathan, or tighten our grip in jealous fear like Saul. Comparison is a thief that turns gratitude into grievance — but someone else's usefulness to God doesn't come at our detriment. The question is what we'll do with what God has already put in our hands: will we hold it tightly to protect our own importance, or place it at Jesus' disposal for the good of others?
Key Encouragement:
You don't have to pretend the feeling isn't there. Bring it honestly to the Lord — "Lord, why does this bother me so much?" — and let Him address what's really in your heart. Then look around at what God has already given you: your time, your skills, your relationships, your experience. It might feel ordinary to you, but to the one person who needs it, it makes a real difference.
Reflective Question:
Take a moment to consider: is there someone whose progress makes you feel uncomfortable — someone you've quietly begun comparing yourself to? Would you bring that feeling honestly before God and ask Him what it reveals in you? And would you ask: what has God already put in my hand, and who could I bless with it this week?
