1 Maccabees 10:15-20: a reflection

15King Alexander heard all the promises which Demetrius had sent to Jonathan. They told him of the battles and the valiant deeds which he and his kindred had done, and of the troubles which they had endured. 16So he said, “Could we find another man like him? Now we will make him our friend and ally.” 17He wrote a letter and sent it to him, in these words, saying, 18“King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greetings. 19We have heard of you, that you are a mighty man of valour, and worthy to be our friend. 20Now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation, and to be called the king’s friend, and to take our side, and to keep friendship with us.” He also sent to him a purple robe and a golden crown.

King Alexander hears of Jonathan, of the battles he and his family fought, the courage they showed, the hardships they endured for their people. And his response is telling: could we find another man like him? Let us make him our friend and ally. He writes to Jonathan honoring him as a man of valor worthy to be a friend, appoints him high priest, and sends him a royal robe and a golden crown. The persecuted leader is now sought after and honored, even by kings.

Notice what drew the honor: not flattery or self-promotion, but a track record of tested faithfulness and courage. Jonathan and his family had fought and suffered for years, faithfully, without seeking recognition, and now that proven character speaks for itself. Could we find another like him? the king asks, recognizing something rare, a person of demonstrated integrity and valor. The honor came as the fruit of long, costly faithfulness.

There is a quiet encouragement here for those who serve faithfully without recognition. Jonathan did not campaign for honor; he simply did the hard, faithful thing over years, and in time it was seen. Character built through costly faithfulness has a way of eventually being recognized, even by unlikely people. Do not be discouraged if your faithfulness goes unnoticed now; keep doing the hard, right thing, and trust that proven character speaks for itself in time. And hold any honor that comes loosely, for the same kings' favor can shift. Faithfulness, not favor, is what lasts.

Lord, Jonathan's proven faithfulness and courage, built through years of costly, unrecognized service, eventually drew honor even from kings. When my own faithfulness goes unnoticed, keep me from campaigning for recognition; help me simply keep doing the hard, right thing, trusting that character speaks for itself in time. And when honor comes, help me hold it loosely, for you alone are my lasting reward.