DAVID (#9)-"A STEP BETWEEN ME AND DEATH"---                       (1 Samuel 20:1-3, 18-22,24-25, 31-33, 35-39)
Introduction: Jonathan did not know what David knew. David knew that his life was in danger. He knew that Saul could have him killed at any moment. If David had been slain, David would have been prepared, but his friend Jonathan would have been shocked.  As you read further in this chapter, you'll find that the placement of arrows shot by Jonathan in a field would indicate to David that he would be a fugitive from Saul for the rest of Saul's life!  Once the arrows were shot beyond David, he knew he must leave Jerusalem until Saul died!   David's exile would mean separation from FRIENDS/FAMILY/FAITH (Jerusalem/idolatry elsewhere!)
There have been a number of sad, sudden deaths in recent years. On 911, Islamic terrorists who attacked our country killed thousands. Those people who went to work that day had no idea that they were only a step away from death.   David was speaking out of a weakened faith when he thought he was near death...thought David saw the space between his life and being murdered by Saul as  a SMALL STEP, in fact, it was a great chasm Saul would never be able to leap over!
*I want us to think on David's statement, "there is but a step between me and death."(v.3). 
(1)- IT IS A SURE STEP--- (Romans 5:12-“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”)
We don't like to be faced with death, but we need to be reminded that IT’S A FACT. –(100% of every person born will die!)     *We need to be ready for this!   Most people die unprepared!   (Amos said, “Prepare to meet thy God”) 
(2)- IT IS A SHORT STEP--- (Job 14:1-“ Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”)
*Life is brief; It is like a:
A.  Flower That Fades
B.  Fume Or Vapor
C.  Fast Runner 
D.  Flickering Flame
E.  Fading Wind And Breeze 
(3)- IT IS A SUDDEN STEP--- (Luke 12:20-“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”)
*Death can stop you:
A. In The Middle Of A Conversation 
· Herod - Speaking To A Crowd In A Proud Moment 
B. In The Middle Of Childbirth
· Rachel 
C. In The Middle Of A Church Service
· Ananias And Sapphira - Lied About Their Giving 
D. In The Middle Of Captivity
· Samson 
E. In The Middle Of Conflict
· Saul And Jonathan 
D. In The Middle Of Comfort Zones
The rich man's dreams were interrupted suddenly! (Luke 16)
David actually outlived Jonathan by many years. Jonathan's step was nearer than either of them thought!!!
(4)- IT IS A SOLEMN STEP--- (Hebrews 9:27-“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”) 
A. It Is A Step Toward Jesus
B. It Is A Step Toward Judgment The next big event after death is the judgment!
· For The Saved, It Is The Judgment Seat Of Christ 
· For The Lost, It Is The Great White Throne Judgment 
*For the child of God, it CAN be:
(5)-A SWEET STEP--- (Psalms 116:15-“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. “)
A. A Step Into The Presence Of God!
B. A Step Into Perfect Glory!
C. A Step Into Perpetual Gladness!!!