I have a BURDEN. Through out scripture we read how God raises up his leaders, those that are called, Annointed and Appointed, for such a time as this. Amen
I have a BURDEN. In the New Testament we read how God would send them out two by two. Amen
I have been praying about this burden for awhile now and in prayer and meditating on the Lord he has reminded me of the relationship between
\tDavid
\tJonathon
The focus being there LOVE, for one another and this special bond between the two. Here you have two men who were not born from the same biological father but they had the same Spiritual Father. They feared God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
1. They shared a common faith the commitment to God
2. They loved each other unconditionally
Through out scripture in the book of Samuel no where have I found that they were competitors. Yet Jonathon had a reason to be. He was Saul’s Son, his first born heir to the throne, but God had anointed David to be King. Jonathon understood this. It seems to me that there Love for God had to be so strong and so real in there hearts, to not allow the enemy to come in with jealously, strife, and envy.
In chapter 20 we learn how Jonathan helps David, did you hear this, please don’t miss it!!! It says that Jonathan helps David and the story goes on to say;
1 David now fled from Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan. “What have I done? he exclaimed. “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?”
2 “That’s not true!” Jonathan protested. “I’m sure he’s not planning any such thing, for he always tells me everything he’s going to do, even the little things. I know he wouldn’t hide something like this from me. It just isn’t so!”
3 Then David took an oath before Jonathan and said, “Your father knows perfectly well about our friendship, so he has said to himself, “I won’t tell Jonathan – why should I hurt Him? But I swear to you that I am only a step away from death! I swear it by the Lord and by your own soul!”
4 “Tell me what I can do!” Jonathan exclaimed.” Tell me what I can do?
5 David replied, “Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with your father on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in field and stay there until the evening of the third day.
6 If your father asks where I am, tell him I asked permission to go home to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice.
7 If he says, ‘Fine!’ then you will know all is well. But if he is angry an planning to kill me.
8 Show me this kindness as my sworn friend – for we made a covenant together before the Lord – or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don’t betray me to him!
9 “NEVER!” Jonathan exclaimed. “You know that if I had the slightest notion my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once.”
10 Then David asked, “How will I know whether or not your father is angry?”
11 “Come out to the field with me,” Jonathan replied. And they went out there together
12 Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the Lord, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know.
13 But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live. May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father.
14 And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die,
15 treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies.”
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with David, saying, “May the Lord destroy all your enemies!”
17 And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself
ONLY GOD COULD PLACE A LOVE LIKE THIS IN THE HEART OF THESE TWO BROTHERS, IN THE LORD.
It says in 1 Samuel 23:16 – that Jonathon went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. He went to encourage Him. And the story goes on to say;
15 One day near Horesh, David received the news that Saul was on the way to Ziph to search for him and kill him.
16 Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God
17 “Don’t be afraid, Jonathan reassured him”. “My father will never find you! You are going to be king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware.”
Would you say that Jonathan was or would be willing to lay down his life for a friend? “YES”
Indeed what LOVE these two brothers had for one another, -What- LOVE.
…And so we are accustomed to hearing the love between a man and women, or a parent, and a child or even the love between sisters, but why is it that we don’t touch on this topic more frequently as I believe it is so needed in this day and time?
Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful even when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right. You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary.
(“You have the authority to do this, so don’t let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say”)
Philippians 2:1-4 is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from this love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.
Now I understand that this might not be for everyone just for the fellas.
