“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul….” 1 Samuel 18:1, 3 (NKJV) Jonathan was winning battles with his father until a young handsome man, David, came to the scene. David was never heard about in any battle. He suddenly burst on the scene with the greatest exploits – killing the most dreaded enemy of their time. Saul, who could not believe what happened, invited David to his palace. While David stood before Saul with his exploit, Jonathan, Saul’s son, the heir to the throne demonstrated the true spirit of a child of God. Instead of being jealous of David for becoming famous, he rather fell in love with him and decided to go into a covenant with him. “He removed his robe together with his tunic and even his sword, his bow and his belt and gave it to David.” (v4). I believe Jonathan was telling David that he was willing that he, David takes his place in the army and was even ready to serve under his leadership. This is true love. His love was so real that he stood by David and protected him from being killed by Saul, his father and to the point that Saul became angry with Jonathan (v 30-31). When someone is promoted above you, how do you feel? Many times we pretend that we are happy to celebrate the success of our neigbhours, when inside our hearts, we are jealous and hurting. Meditation and prayer: Lord, may I be endowed with Jonathan’sspirit of love. Further Reading: Matthew 5:44-46; Romans 12:9;1
Corinthians 13:1-4.
Key Lesson: We go forward when we move others
forward.