06/10 - Doesn’t Envy or Boast
Sermon Series: Crazy Love
“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.” 1 Samuel 18:3-4 (ESV)
“Mommy, please tell me the story again. Who am I named after? ”
My middle son, in his animated bedtime stalling fashion would beg me to tell him about his beloved namesake, the biblical hero who exhibited one of the greatest human examples of an unselfish love, devoid of envy and boasting.
“His name is Jonathan.”
Jonathan,respected warrior and eldest son of King Saul was the probable heir to the throne of Israel according to the tradition of the time. This all changed, when the obscure shepherd boy David arrives on the scene after his impressive defeat of Goliath. God had a different plan. David was His choice and Jonathan stood to lose a great deal.
Jonathancould have shunned David, treated him with contempt and boasted about his rightful position as the king’s son. Instead, he embraced David. They had much in common; leaders, warriors and both men of integrity. David and Jonathan developed a strong steadfast loving friendship. Although scripture is not specific, at some point in this forging friendship Jonathan realizes that it is David who will be the next king of Israel. He unselfishly gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow and belt; all the things that represent his royal status. Instead of envying David’s destiny, Jonathan, the great warrior and son of King Saul, graciously steps aside and pledges his enduring love and support of the future King David.
What an example of what God commands-love does not envy or boast. We are called to celebrate God’s highest purposes for those we love. Sometimes, in the unfolding of these divine plans God asks us to trust Him and submit our own desires, rights and egos for a greater love-a greater purpose.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for your deep pure unending love. We are seen, heard and known in Your love. May Your love transcend all our relationships. Help us through the power of Your Spirit to love unselfishly without envy and boasting. Amen.
Devotion written by Maryanne Abbate
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