Text: 1 Sam 20:28-42
Memory verse:
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
One thing that stands out in everyone who exemplified true loyalty is that they were guided by the honour of God. So, when any demand runs contrary to this, they simply choose what is right and good in the eyes of God. Irrespective of the relationship, they withdraw their loyalty from such to stand for God. So, was Ruth, who turned her back on Orpah, her compatriot sister to stand with Naomi, a hopeless foreigner; and Caleb, who was not afraid to say the truth to his colleagues who got things wrong and to stand with Joshua, for God! What about Mordecai who stood for the truth and pitched his tent against his colleagues’ to reveal their secret plots to murder the king! What about his decision to stand up for God and against his boss, who demanded for worship?
Jonathan, the son of king Saul, also demonstrated a similar loyalty to David, the young shepherd son of Jesse. Contrary to the will of his father, this prince saw something in David. And despite his rising profile and popularity, Jonathan, who was a heir of the throne was never jealous of David but entered into a covenant of friendship with him (1 Sam 18:1-4; 20:42). He proved his loyalty to the friendship by risking his life to defend David and to keep him from the bitter sword of his father (19:1-6, 20:1-42).
Even though Prince Jonathan knew that David was chosen by God and appointed to replace his father and to take the position which would have been his by inheritance, being the eldest son of Saul, yet Jonathan loved David. “And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.”(I Sam 23:17).
He stood solidly behind him in his trial, arising from the cruel jealousy and pursuit of the life of David. Only a true friend could do that. Only the honour of God will bring a prince into such a covenant relationship with a shepherd! Only the honour of God will make the older to willingly line up under the younger! Only the honour of God will make a son to choose the enemity of his father to preserve a friendship! Only the honour of God will make a heir to give up his throne for his friend! Only the honour of God will make one to give up his life to save his friend’s life! No wonder that David lamented the death of Jonathan. Thus, in Jonathan’s honor, he made his son, Mephibosheth, eat at the king’s table “like one of the king’s sons” (2 Sam 9:11).
Friends, what’s your loyalty based on? God only rewards loyalty that is motivated by His honour and glory.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, let Your honour and glory always be the basis of my friendship and loyalty in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, help me to stand for You and the truth against anything contending for Your honour and glory in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I will be loyal to my friendship as long as it doesn’t stand against God’s honour and glory.
2. I know that God rewards loyalty but not that which is against His honour and glory.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng