Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him,
because he loved him as he loved himself.
(1 Samuel 20:17)
David and Jonathan were the best of friends. Truly an example of what Jesus said about friendship: "Greater love has no one that this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Jonathan was the king's son. David was the king's greatest enemy. How could they live like that? How could they be friends with this disparity?
Jonathan knew all that had happened to David from his anointing to be king, through the battle with Goliath and finally as the enemy of the state. But Jonathan knew the real David. David wasn't a revolutionary leading the cheers of the people: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). David was a humble shepherd who was forced into the limelight by a God who picked the runt of the litter.
Jonathan knew that David was not safe anywhere in Israel. David had to be on the run, but before they parted, Jonathan said, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD" (v42).
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jonathan ran the risk of losing his life for being David's friend, but God kept both of them safe because of their mutual love and affection for each other. The great love that we are to have for each other. Amen.
