Thursday, May 15, 2014

Let His Love Move You



Today’s Bible readings are 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111:1-10, & Proverbs 15:11


1 Samuel 18:1-4
After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

We have talked about the character of Jonathon already but I can’t help but make mention of it again in this text. We really see the heart of a TRUE man of God. He recognizes the anointing on another man & willing chooses to submit himself to this man & the anointing that he possessed. Jonathon was the king’s son & rightfully the next in line to be king. He didn’t have to submit to David. In fact, the opposite is really true. But positions aren’t what really matters. The will of God is what counts!

When I read this part of the story of David & Jonathon’s relationship, I can’t help but think of how this is a picture of what Jesus has done for us. This story is really reveals what God had planned to do through His Son.

We see a deep love that Jonathon had for David; who was an outsider. David was not royalty, Jonathon was. Yet, Jonathon was willing to surrender so David could come into his place.

This is such a picture of Christ for us. We were all outsiders. We were far from God. Yet, Jesus surrendered to bring us into our place of relationship with the Father. He gave up His place of majesty & power so He could help bring us into our place.  It was the greatest act of love. Just like Jonathon laid down his life to serve David, Jesus laid down His life to serve us.

Jonathon sealed the deal by giving David his robe & supplying him with weapons. What a picture of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken His robe of righteousness & put it on us. We are no longer peasants. We are royalty. We are no longer viewed by the King in our own standing. We have been given a NEW COVERING. When the King looks to us He sees us clothed as one of His own children, His heir. Praise Jesus forever more!!!

Jonathon supplied David with weapons & Jesus has done the same for us.

Ephesians 6:12-18

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

These are the weapons that Jesus has given us. They will get the job done just like the weapons that Jonathon gave to David.

When David saw the love that Jonathon had for him, which was demonstrated by his surrender, sharing of his standing, & giving of his weapons, it moved David to love Jonathon back. I hope that our eyes will be opened to all that Jesus has done for us. I pray that we too will see the love that Jesus demonstrated when He gave us His righteousness, His authority, & His weapons. I ask that it will move us to love Him back in a deeper way today & forever more!!!

Pastor Richard Schlotter


 

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