Day 286
I Samuel 18:3-4
"Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle."
One of the most famous friendships in the Bible is the one between Jonathan and David. Though Jonathan was the natural heir to the throne of Israel, he had no problems accepting that David was destined to be the next king of Israel. He was quite content to be the best friend of the king instead of the leader of his nation. His love for David was something to be admired.
I Samuel 18:3 says Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. To show the sincerity of his love, Jonathan gave David several items, including his personal weapons and articles of clothing. This story illustrates what true love is all about. Love is not a feeling. It is a commitment. True love produces feelings but does not depend on feelings to stay committed. Love is a verb, as well as a noun. It causes us to act. The depth of our love is evident by the extent of our commitment. Because Jonathan's love for David was very deep, he entered into a covenant with him that would guarantee goodwill between them and their descendants forever. He gave him valuable items to demonstrate his sincerity. Jonathan's love caused him to be very unselfish. He was willing to give up everything that was supposed to be his and allow David to have it instead.
It may be good for us to use this story to measure our love for God. What kind of covenant have we made with God? God made a covenant with us that caused Him to give us His very best. His covenant showed that He was willing to deny Himself for our benefit. He withholds nothing good from us. Are we responding with the same kind of covenant? He deserves it. Let us examine ourselves today and see if we are holding back on Him in any way. If we find anything we have not been willing to let go of, let us release it today. Our Lord is worthy of our best. He is worthy of our all.
My love for God will cause me to keep a covenant with Him that involves my total surrender to His will All I have and all I am will be dedicated to Him for eternity.