Jonathan and David

A Question of Friendship!

After discussing politics with my best friend, I found myself questioning friendship. Not my relationship with my friend, but the sincerity of what happens in a friendship. Throughout the conversation, she often said, “We can’t talk about politics or religion.” She repeated the phrase whenever I attempted to express my opinion. But if you can’t discuss politics or religion with a friend? Who can you?

A Discussion is Sharing, Not an Agreement!

What’s politics and religion anyway, but the doings of men? What men believe and what men do. However, the phrase “We can’t talk about politics and religion” with someone holding the friend position seems out of place, or am I expecting too much? As I was pondering these thoughts after my ranting to my heavenly Father.   

Remember David & Jonathan!

From within me rose, remember Jonathan and David! I thought friendship and politics! Jonathan, the son of King Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin and David, the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite from the tribe of Judah brought together by war and politics, became best friends after David slayed Goliath for the Nation of Israel (See 1 Samuel 17-18:1). 

God Gave David Success!

David, motivated by the rewards promised by the king, enriched with riches, will marry the king’s daughter and his father’s house, exemption from taxes in Israel (See 1 Samuel 17:23- 25). David spoke of God giving him victory over a bear and lion while tending his father’s sheep and proclaimed victory over the Philistine. God gave David success! King Saul recognized his value and appointed him captain over thousands.

David’s Meeting with The King That Gained Him a Friend

After David’s victory over Goliath, he was taken to the king, but scripture doesn’t expose David’s speech to the king that won the heart of Jonathan, the king’s son. However, compelling his speaking was Jonathan’s soul became united with David’s soul, and Jonathan loved him. 

Jonathan and David Enter a Covenant

Because Jonathan loved David, he entered a pledge. Then Jonathan gave David his robe, belt, sword, bow and armour, essentially his uniform covering him. In this case, Jonathan is a type of the Holy Spirit; he is knitted covers and protects his friend who he is in covenant with.

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth, for He will

not speak on His authority, but whatever He hears, He will say, and

He will declare to you things to come.

John 16:13 ESV

Jonathan Surrender to David  

David was in a great place. He killed the enemy and received great rewards. The king promised to give him his daughter’s hand in marriage, and the king’s son, Jonathan, entered a covenant with him, submitting his position to David; observe Jonathan took off his uniform and gave it to David (1 Samuel 18:4). 

King Saul Sees David as Enemy 

David’s success woke King Saul’s insecurities; the women sing, “Saul has slain thousands and David has slain ten thousand, and he was accepted in the sight of all people ” (1 Samuel 18:5,7).” The king felt David wanted the kingdom and eyed him from that day (1 Samuel 18:9). Little did Saul know God had already anointed David to be king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

Jonathan and David

Within King Saul rose a spirit of jealousy and envy because he knew the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him, and he could see the Spirit of the Lord was upon David. King Saul decides to kill David and exposes his plans to Jonathan, David’s covenant partner!

Power of Covenant

 Jonathan acts in the covenant he made with David. Not in the position of the king’s son. He protects David from his father’s plot to kill him (See 1 Samuel 19-20). Jonathan never wavered in his position toward David, and neither did David. We have a much better covenant with Jesus Christ. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Beloved,

Our friend Jesus Christ loves us without limitations. He died for us!

Let Him be your guide; ask Jesus to come in every situation.

Yes, even religion and politics!