DAVID AND JONATHAN

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Read 1 Samuel Chapters 18–20

     Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:3-4 NIV

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     David’s success in battle resulted in Saul’s extreme jealousy toward him. The people loved David–singing and dancing in his honor when he returned from battle. As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."(1 Samuel 18:7)
     Jonathan, Saul’s son, could have been jealous also, but the Spirit of God drew him into a loving covenant with his future king. Jonathan’s story is a beautiful picture of the covenant we enter, when we receive Jesus as our friend and Savior. Just as Jonathan said, 'The LORD is witness between you and me…forever.'" (1 Samuel 20:42) Likewise, the covenant of salvation God makes with us through faith in His Son is forever even into eternity.

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     Lord, I praise You for Your friendship with me. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) –And You gave your life for me even before I was Your friend. Help me to live in the light of Your unfailing love.

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     Then they kissed each other and wept together–but David wept the most. (1 Samuel 20:41 NIV)
We love Him (Jesus) because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NKJV)