Former Blackout Artist

[Jonathan said] “May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father. And may you treat me with the unfailing love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.” – 1 Samuel 20: 14-15

Looking back on the years of my active alcoholism, I remember some of the many promises that I had failed to keep. My disease had me in its throes, totally incapable of honoring my word. I ended up being unaccountable to everyone in my life; my family, my friends, my parents, everyone.

As I read today’s Scripture in 1st and 2nd Samuel, I’m reminded of the importance of following through.

Despite his friend being the son of the man who wanted him dead, David loved Jonathan as though he was his own brother. Jonathan knew his father aimed to have David killed, and cared about him so much that he risked his own life to keep him safe.

One day the two of them secretly met together in a field to discuss the growing tension between his father (King Saul) and David. It was there that both of them pledged their faith to one another, forging a brotherly covenant between them. Jonathan, probably sensing that this was not going to end well for his father nor himself, asked David to make a promise to him that his family would be taken care of in the event that he was killed. David made a solemn vow to Jonathan that he would follow through.

Sometime later, both Jonathan and Saul would die in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. David would go on to become the King of Israel, and a number of years would then pass.

One day, David remembered the vow he made to Jonathan many years earlier. “Is anyone from Saul’s family still alive – anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

It turned out there was. Ziba, a servant for King Saul, who was now serving under king David, informed him that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was alive, but crippled in both feet. David sent for Mephibosheth and had him brought to him. Initially Mephibosheth was afraid, for he knew that David and his father were once enemies. But David comforted him. “Don’t be afraid. I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat with me here at the king’s table!” (2 Samuel 9:7)

Mephibosheth was given servants to farm the land given to him, so that he would always have food for his household. As for Mephibosheth himself, he would always be welcomed to eat at David’s royal table from that day forward.

Over the years, David had completely forgotten about his covenant with Jonathan and his promise to look after his family. It is estimated that as many as 12-13 years had passed before he had thought about that day in the field. A lot had happened during that time, and David was busy trying to lead the people of Israel back to the Promised Land. But that was no excuse to not follow through with his own promise to Jonathan. So as soon as he remembered, he followed through, albeit many years later.

Life has been really good for me since getting sober. So good, in fact, that sometimes I forget about how unreliable I used to be during my active drinking years. Sure, I’ll be there. Yes, I’ll take care of that this afternoon. I can help out with that tomorrow. Yeah, I’ll get that squared away. No problem.

Over and over, I made promises and commitments. And over and over, I was just a complete no-show.

I thank God for opening my eyes to who I was, and showing me that I could be a different person today; someone who keeps his word; who if he says he’ll be there, he’ll find a way to be there; who if he says that he’ll do something, he’ll do it. That’s certainly not who I used to be.

But because of God’s grace and mercy, today I’m different. I’m certainly not perfect, far from it most days. But because of His promise to me, I’m now able to keep my promises to others.

Father, we thank you for reminding us of the importance of keeping our promises. Help us to be people of our word, and to always do what we say we will do. Give us the strength and courage to follow through on our commitments, even when it is difficult. May our actions and words honor you, and may they bring joy to those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.