Uncommon Love

And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:3-4

Jonathan removed his princely robe and placed it on David. He even gave David his sword, his bow and his belt. In other words, Jonathan willing laid aside the symbols of his position as the crown prince of Israel and gave them to David. When someone saw David on that day, they might have mistaken him for Jonathan. That is a picture of a love that involves personal, profound sacrifice. It is a picture of uncommon love!

Jonathan consistently placed David ahead of himself.

That is what a true friend always does!

Ever had a friend who cared more for your success than their own?

Jonathan's attitude was not something he inherited; it was the fruit from a personal encounter with God. His lifestyle reflects that of Christ, who took the form of a servant, who made himself nothing (Phil 2:1-8).

Such a lifestyle allows us to serve without jealousy and competition.

Think about it your desire to outshine your friends will destroy your relationship.

Even when it wasn't easy for this friendship between Jonathan and David to exist, it did. It existed and flourished because Jonathan refused to allow anything to sever the bond he has with David. When his soul was "knit" to the souls of David, it was bound to him for this life and eternity. The Bible also says that they made a "covenant" together, more than a mere promise. It was life and death guarantee. They bound themselves together for life with an oath. They swore to be friends to the end; and they both honored the covenant.

You don't see this kind of relationship very often, it seems strange to us, odd. Remember they could have it because it was a gift from God, whom they both worshipped and obeyed.

Along the way, there were hurdles that developed which could have derailed their relationship.

In spite of those problems, Jonathan loved David to the end. His love was totally unconditional!

Where do you find a friend like Jonathan? How do you become one?

Proverbs 18:24 says, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." David found such a friend. Oh, to have a friend like Jonathan. A friend who protects you (even from yourself), who seeks nothing but your interest, wants nothing but your happiness, who lets you be you. You feel safe with that person. God gave David such a friend and He's given them to me.

He gave you one as well. David found that friend in a prince; you can find a friend in the King.

Did you know He wants to make a covenant with you?

His final words "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt 28:20)