Reflections on 1 Samuel 18.
“I’m not against Christianity. It’s just not for me.”
Have you ever heard someone say something like that?
Many people see Jesus as just another religious option. They assume they can remain neutral. Christianity works for some people, they say, but they’ll choose a different path.
The problem is that Jesus never gave us that option. Not choosing a side is choosing a side.
That truth is beautifully illustrated in 1 Samuel 18.
It’s Hard to Stay Neutral
History shows us that neutrality is often impossible.
Take Switzerland during the Second World War. The nation tried to remain neutral, yet its neutrality still involved difficult compromises. It traded with Nazi Germany, accepted looted gold into its national bank, and allowed transit through its territory. Many argued that remaining “neutral” still amounted to taking a position.
The same principle applies in everyday life. When evil goes unchallenged, silence often becomes support.
The same is true when it comes to Jesus. He forces a response.
God’s King Divides People
By the time we reach 1 Samuel 18, David has just defeated Goliath. Israel has been rescued from certain disaster through God’s chosen king.
Yet, Saul still occupies the throne.
From this point onwards, the book traces the rise of God’s anointed king and the decline of the rejected king.
What’s fascinating is how differently people respond to David.
Jonathan Surrenders to God’s King
Jonathan, Saul’s eldest son and heir to the throne, responds in a remarkable way. Rather than seeing David as a rival, he loves him. He strips off his royal robe, armour, sword, bow and belt and gives them to David.
This isn’t merely a generous gift. It is an act of submission.
Jonathan recognises that David is God’s chosen king. Instead of clinging to his own rights, he willingly bows before God’s anointed. Jonathan chooses God’s king over himself.
Saul Rejects God’s King
Saul responds very differently.
When the women begin singing,
“Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands,”
Saul burns with jealousy. David’s success becomes Saul’s obsession.
He watches David with suspicion. He tries to pin him to the wall with a spear. He sends him into dangerous battles hoping he’ll be killed. He even uses his own daughters as part of elaborate plots to destroy him.
Why? Because Saul refuses to surrender his throne. He resists God’s king.
Isn’t this exactly what many people do today?
Some people know Christianity is true. They recognise something unique about Jesus. Yet they refuse to submit because doing so means surrendering control.
God’s King Faces Opposition
David’s life reminds us that being God’s chosen king does not mean an easy life. Quite the opposite.
Saul becomes David’s constant enemy. Yet, every scheme meant to destroy David only serves to advance God’s purposes.
What Saul intends for evil, God uses for good.
David Points Us to Jesus
David points beyond himself to a far greater King.
Jesus is God’s true Anointed King. Just as David divided Israel, so Jesus divides humanity.
Jesus himself said,
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
Jesus knew that people would respond differently to Him. Some would love Him. Others would hate Him. Some families would be divided because of Him.
For many believers around the world—especially those from Muslim, Hindu or atheist backgrounds—following Christ means rejection by family, loss of friendships and sometimes persecution. Jesus never hid that reality.
Neutrality Isn’t an Option
Many people imagine there is a middle ground.
“I’m not against Jesus.”
“I’m just not ready.”
“I respect Christianity.”
But Jesus never allowed for neutrality. He said,
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37–38)
Jesus calls for wholehearted allegiance. Like Jonathan, we are called to lay down our own claims and bow before God’s King. And that runs completely against our culture.
The world says:
Put yourself first.
Jesus says:
Deny yourself.
Jesus Faced Even Greater Opposition
Like David, Jesus was constantly opposed.
Religious leaders plotted against Him. False witnesses accused Him. Political authorities condemned Him. Eventually they nailed Him to a cross. And for a moment, it looked as though His enemies had won.
But what they intended for evil, God used for the greatest good imaginable.
Through Jesus’ death came forgiveness.
Through Jesus’ death came victory over the power of sin, death and Satan.
The cross was not God’s defeat, but God’s triumph.
God Is With His King
Throughout 1 Samuel 18, one phrase keeps appearing:
“The Lord was with David.”
The same was true—perfectly and completely—of Jesus. And because we belong to Christ, God is with us too.
That doesn’t mean life will be free from opposition. It means opposition never gets the final word.
Which Side Are You On?
1 Samuel 18 leaves every reader with a question. Will you respond like Jonathan or like Saul?
Jonathan surrendered everything because he recognised God’s King. But Saul clung to power until the very end.
Many people today still try to stand somewhere in the middle. But Jesus says there is no middle.
If you’re not yet following Christ, perhaps it’s time to consider Him again. Neutrality is an illusion. Not choosing a side is choosing a side.
And if you already belong to Jesus, take heart.
Yes, following Jesus may bring opposition. But God is with His King and everyone who belongs to His King shares in His final victory.