In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: "When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth."

It didn't take long for Nathan's prophecy about my family to start coming true. Remember, the Lord had Nathan tell me that as a consequence of my sin with Bathsheba calamity would come out of my own household. (Warning: Content may not be appropriate for all ages!)

Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

I couldn't believe it! I had asked to build Him a house and instead He had promised to build up my house. From this time forth every King of Israel would be descended from me.

Even in the vacuum of leadership created by Saul's death, I thought it best to wait for the Lord's timing, and it turned out to be a good thing I did. I was going to need all the help I could get.

There is a way that seems right to man but the end thereof is death.
Prov 14:12

That day the Lord showed me that opportunity does not equal mandate. Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's the Lord's will that you should.

I hope you're beginning to see the clear parallels between my life and yours. Like it was for me, a throne is God's purpose for you (1 Peter 2:9-12), a cross is his path for you (Matt. 10:37-39), and faith is his plan for you (2 Cor. 5:7).

My name translates into English as "beloved" and Jonathon's is "God has given." God loved me so much that he gave me Jonathon as a friend.