SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER: WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS RISE LIKE LIONS

Have you ever heard the phrase “speaking truth to power”? It describes the courage to stand firmly for what is right—even when confronting leaders, systems, or authority figures. For Christians, this courage runs deeper. It is not merely voicing an opinion; it is declaring what God’s Word says is true, even when everything around us pressures us to stay silent.

Sometimes “speaking truth to power” means praying and watching God work. Other times, it means stepping forward with holy boldness. Scripture is filled with men and women who refused to ignore wrongdoing when God gave them the power to make a difference.
Among them stands a remarkable warrior of righteousness—Jonathan, son of King Saul.

Jonathan could not look away from the injustice. While others may hide their heads like ostriches when trouble rises, Jonathan stood tall. Even though position, privilege, and tradition suggested he would one day inherit his father’s throne, Jonathan understood God had appointed David. He aligned himself with God’s purpose, not human expectation.

But what makes Jonathan’s story even more compelling is this: his defining moments came when he chose to speak truth to the authority closest to him—his own father.

THE MOMENT THAT DEFINED HIM

Certain moments in life shape destiny. They challenge us to do what is right even when it costs us reputation, comfort, or relationships. Jonathan’s moment came when Saul commanded him to kill David—his friend, his brother in covenant.

Instead of obeying a wicked command, Jonathan confronted the king:

“Let not the king do wrong to his servant David… Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man by killing him for no reason?”
—1 Samuel 19:4–5

For a moment, Saul promised not to harm David. But as we know, Saul’s unstable heart soon betrayed that promise.

Not long after, another dark moment unfolded. As David played music to soothe Saul’s tormented spirit, Saul attempted once again to pin him to the wall with his spear (1 Samuel 19:9–11). David fled for his life, and the hunt began.

Then came another defining moment—the New Moon feast.

When David was absent, Jonathan attempted to protect him. Saul erupted in rage:

“You will never become king as long as David lives. He must die!”
(Paraphrase, 1 Samuel 20:30)

But Jonathan already knew—and accepted—God’s will.

“You will be king over Israel… and my father knows this.”
—1 Samuel 23:17

Jonathan did not cling to a throne that did not belong to him. He clung to truth.

THE RIGHTEOUS ARE AS BOLD AS A LION

When Saul demanded David’s death, Jonathan asked boldly:

“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”
—1 Samuel 20:32

That question—simple, direct, righteous—infuriated Saul so deeply that he hurled a spear at his own son.

Jonathan left the king’s table in fierce anger and grief, not because he had been dishonored, but because his father had sinned.

This was righteous anger—anger rooted in the heart of God, not the ego of man.

Righteous anger does not attack people—it confronts injustice.
Righteous anger grieves over sin, resists evil, and calls for what is right.

Jesus demonstrated this when He overturned the tables of the money changers (Matthew 21:12–13). Nehemiah demonstrated it when he confronted those exploiting the poor (Nehemiah 5:6–7).

Anger itself is not sinful; unmanaged anger is.
Scripture warns us:

“Be angry, and do not sin… do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
—Ephesians 4:26

When anger rises, we must ask:

• What is God showing me?
• How can this feeling fuel righteous action rather than destruction?
• What steps can I take toward healing, justice, or restoration?

Anger becomes holy when it becomes a catalyst for change.

A FRIENDSHIP THAT TRANSCENDED AMBITION

Jonathan and David share one of the deepest friendships recorded in Scripture. Jonathan risked everything—royal privilege, political future, and personal safety—to protect the man God had chosen.

Their covenant bound them together not only in life, but beyond death.
Jonathan asked David to show kindness to his descendants, and David honored that promise by welcoming Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, to the king’s table.

Love remembers.
Love sacrifices.
Love supports purpose even when it costs something.

Their friendship demonstrates a profound truth:
Godly love always places righteousness above personal ambition.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US

Today’s message calls us to commit to doing what is right no matter the cost. The desire to fit in, be accepted, or stay comfortable must never override obedience to God.

Scripture warns:

“For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
—Philippians 2:21

When pride, selfish ambition, or manipulation—like Saul’s—begins to wound others, we cannot ignore it.
People matter to God.
Therefore, people must matter to us.

If God pulls on your heart because someone is hurting…
If a situation demands truth, courage, or intercession…
If injustice is unfolding before your eyes…

Do something.
Speak. Pray. Confront. Protect.
Stand boldly like Jonathan.

Because the righteous are as bold as a lion.

PRAYER

Lord, give me the courage to speak truth with love and to stand for what is right, even when it’s difficult. Make me bold like Jonathan—willing to obey You above all else. Help me recognize injustice and respond with wisdom, compassion, and righteous boldness. Keep my heart pure, my motives aligned with Your will, and my actions led by Your Spirit. Use me to bring light, healing, and truth wherever You place me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.