Amazing Love
Opening Prayer
Father, thank You for the specific relationships You have put in our lives and for friends who know and love us.
Read 2 Samuel 1:17-27
[17] David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, [18] and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar): [19] “A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel. How the mighty have fallen! [20] “Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. [21] “Mountains of Gilboa, may you have neither dew nor rain, may no showers fall on your terraced fields. For there the shield of the mighty was despised, the shield of Saul-no longer rubbed with oil. [22] “From the blood of the slain, from the flesh of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied. [23] Saul and Jonathan- in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. [24] “Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. [25] “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. [26] I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. [27] “How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Do you have a friend like Jonathan?Despite the fact that in 1 Samuel God had rejected Saul’s kingship, David praises Saul as a great leader, swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (23). This shows David’s humility. Rather than remind his men of all his great victories, David instead praises Saul and Jonathan. Humility is a key component of godly leaders (Mark 9:35).David makes a comment about Jonathan (26), describing Jonathan’s love as “more wonderful than that of women.” Love has many forms. Although David’s wife Michal showed him romantic love, he shared a brotherly love with Jonathan, who valued David’s gifts, understood his weaknesses and loved David unconditionally as a friend. One commentator suggests, “Whereas Jonathan’s sister Michal loved David the warrior but found David the dancing harpist more difficult to cope with, and Saul loved David the harpist but could not really accept David’s success as a warrior, Jonathan loved and accepted the whole person” (A Cook, Fiction and History in Samuel and Kings, JSOT 36, 1986, 27-48). One of the greatest things about God is that he loves us unconditionally, just as we are, no matter what.
Apply
Are you a friend like Jonathan? Do you see the best in your family and friends and love them for who they are?
Closing prayer
Jesus, You are my most intimate friend. Thank You for knowing me, loving me and making me whole.
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