1 Samuel Chapter 20: Verses 16-17 (NIV-UK)
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.’ And Jonathan made David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.
1 Samuel Chapter 20: Verse 41 (NIV-UK)
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together – but David wept the most.
Matthew Chapter 22: Verses 37-39 (NIV-UK)
Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Jonathan, in my opinion, is an unsung hero, and is an example as to how a Christian should follow the two greatest commandments laid out by Jesus Himself. As King Saul’s oldest son, he would have been expected to become King on the death of his father Saul. But Saul’s behaviour changed all of that. Jonathan did not have the same jealous nature as his father. He recognised God’s hand on David’s life and did not bear him any ill will. In fact, as we are told to do, he loved David as himself. He stood up for him against his own father and blessed David. He certainly did not emulate his father’s attitude, but neither did he bear his father any grudge either. What a testimony!
I wonder how we would behave in similar situations? Passed over for promotion maybe, or understudy rather than a leading role? Assigned to something where we are unseen, even although perhaps we expected something different, or are even better qualified for. Do we support, encourage and defend the person in the role or position we may have wanted for ourselves? That’s loving our neighbour as ourselves as Jesus commanded us to be. Jonathan’s example is indeed worth following!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing us what a blessing Jonathan was to David. Help me to do the same for others. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.