KNIT TOGETHER
. . . the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan lovedH157 him as himself. . .Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he lovedH160 him as himself. And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
1 Samuel 18:1b, 3-4
The youth David had walked out alone in the strength of his God with just a sling and five stones, slain the giant Goliath—the champion of the Philistine army—and lopped off his head with Goliath’s own sword. This instigated a mighty victory for the army of Israel who had been shaking with fear just moments before this act of courageous faith. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, rightful royal successor to the throne of Israel, under the influence of God’s Spirit, was captivated with young David and recognized God’s Spirit upon him. He made a covenant of loving friendship with David placing upon him his royal robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt. Jonathan symbolically gave his right to the throne to David that day. Read more of their story in 1 Samuel, including David’s vow to care for Jonathan’s descendants. After Jonathan was killed in battle, his only surviving son, Mephibosheth who was injured and became lame, dined at David’s table as an adopted son in an era when kings routinely put the relatives of the previous royal family to death.
When I (Susan) was in the hospital to have bilateral leg amputation above the knees, my friend and facilitator, Susie, stayed with me day and night. When hospital staff members would come in and ask if we were sisters, we would tell them no. They were amazed when we explained that we had known each other only eleven months. By that point God had miraculously convinced Susie that she should take me into her home after the hospital stay, a lifelong commitment and labor of love. We finally recognized ourselves in the story of Jonathan and David and explained to people that we were their female counterparts. By that we meant that God had supernaturally knit our souls together. God had made us closer than bio-sisters despite Susie’s initial reluctance to become a caregiver again so soon after her mother passed away. She soon came to realize that I take care of her as well, and caregiving is only about five percent of our “familyship”. The love of Jesus takes us places we would never dream of going, but when we follow the urging of His Holy Spirit, we will be blessed in ways we could never imagine.
Has God called you to pour Christlike love into someone? When God supernaturally places a person in your heart and weaves your lives together, the blessings will far outweigh the burdens.
Father, help us not be afraid to engage in the love adventure of following Your call to be brothers and sisters in Your forever family.