Intro
Welcome to Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Today’s reading is First Samuel 19 through 23. Our lesson is from First Samuel 20:16–17, “So Jonathan made a [covenant] with the house of David, [saying], ‘May the Lord require [it] at the hands of David’s enemies.’ Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.” (NASU)
Lesson
As one matures in life, it becomes more evident of the need of having good and well established friendships. Today’s text shows three traits of Jonathan and David’s relationship.
First, Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David. If we review the previous chapters, we can see that King Saul was jealous of David. Saul becomes enraged with his son Jonathan when he wants to intercede on David’s behalf. Saul is out to try to kill David.
However, Jonathan does not agree with his father. He took a step of courage in defending David and wanting to continue his friendship. Jonathan went so far as to protect his friend from Saul who wanted to murder David. He was willing to be in disfavor with his father because of the injustice done to David.
Next, Jonathan made David renew his vow. For a relationship to be healthy, it must be bi-directional. Both parties need to work together and be committed to it. Jonathan asks his friend David to be as devoted as he is to their friendship. As a matter of fact, they both make a promise to extend their relationship to their houses. In other words that it extend down through the generations. What an act of dedication on both parts!
Last, Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. For any relationship to last there must be true love and care for each other. Obviously, this was an essential component in the lives of Jonathan and David. They were both loyal to each other in the midst of great tension and difficulty. Both were willing to serve each other.
In conclusion, Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David. Jonathan made David renew his vow. And Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.
The words of Jesus are appropriate when He speaks to His disciples and calls them friends. Jesus is the ultimate example of friendship. He demonstrated His love in dying on the cross. He was innocent yet made Himself guilty for our sins. In addition, He promised that He would be with us forever.
Jesus treated the disciples as real friends. They made missteps and he was patient with their inadequacies. Peter is a prime example. Jesus is the true friend of all believers.
Let’s learn to value friends when they come our way. Truly, Jesus is our greatest friend. May we devote our lives to serve Him.
End
It has been a pleasure to share with you Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Tomorrow’s Bible reading is First Samuel 24 through 27. Let’s not forget the words of the psalmist, “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Until tomorrow and may God bless you in abundance as you study the Word of God.1
1 Venditti, L., & Venditti, N. (2012). Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Logos Bible Software.
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