1 Samuel 20-23
Friendship is a precious and elusive thing. How few are the friendships that can survive the stresses! Before we talk Bible, think back on your long-term friendships and give thanks to God.
David and Jonathan’s is one of the archetypal friendships of the Bible. Their commitment to one another was complete, and—in a true sense—more than life-long. We heard first of their friendship in 1 Samuel 18, there, Jonathan, next in line to the throne, makes a covenant with David, saying, in essence, “Your enemies are my enemies; we will defend each other no matter what.” Some have said that this mutual covenant was a blood covenant, not unlike “blood brothers” in some Native American traditions. If so, it took.
All while his father’s anger and envy mounts, while David becomes more and more a persona non grata in Saul’s eyes, while Saul chases David all over creation, Jonathan’s commitment stands strong. They renew their covenant in 1 Samuel 20:16; and they renew it yet again at their last meeting in 1 Samuel 23:18. We will see how their friendship outlasted death in 2 Samuel 9!
Jonathan’s commitment to David is a picture of our commitment to Christ. Jesus said, If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) Jonathan put Jesus’ ancestor above his father and his own future!
Tomorrow, we will see David’s Christ-like character toward the King who longs to kill him.
Pastor Gary
No comments:
Post a Comment