God’s Kingdom First

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom first may bring opposition, but He blesses and rewards those who remain faithful to Him.

“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe.”—1 Chronicles 27:32 NASB

David must have been comforted that his uncle could play an important role in his kingdom. But what happened to the rest of his family? His father? His brothers?

When Samuel had gone to Bethlehem years earlier, David’s father Jesse presented his seven oldest sons. David was summoned only after Samuel asked if there were other sons. To Jesse, David was just “the youngest,” busy “tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11).

What does this say about Jesse and the family? We’re given clues when Jesse sent David as a messenger to his brothers in Israel’s army. The oldest brother was angry when he heard that David was to face Goliath. He felt David should have been taking care of their father’s flocks instead of being so arrogant.

David went on to defeat Goliath and become Israel’s hero…and eventually its king. But his family seems to have abandoned him. The Bible never mentions them again.

Perhaps they were jealous or bitter, much like Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 37:3–4). Or maybe they reacted like the people in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, who rejected His ministry: “A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and in his own household” (Matthew 13:57).

If you follow God, you can expect to experience opposition or rejection, perhaps by friends or family members. But as God did for David, He will bless and reward you as you stay faithful to Him.

Reflection Question: How can you stay faithful to God even when facing opposition?