Saul’s murderous envy of David is similar to other stories in OT- Cain and

Abel and Joseph and his brothers are the best examples. Envy is serious and

it can lead to violent outcomes. Unfortunately we’re all susceptible. We

desire. Saul’s envy of David, leads him to obsess over David. He becomes

embittered and joyless. The antidote is seen in Jonathan. Instead of envy

and rivalry he chooses love. The love we need is so pure it can only come

from God. And just as Jonathan gives up his claim to power, and gives

himself to David, we’re called to do the something similar to Jesus. When

we direct our desire towards him he fills us with a sense of identity and a

fullness of love that truly satisfies.

By Ed Flint