WEEK 3 – DAY 2

January 19, 2021

KNIT TOGETHER

. . .the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1b

The youth David had just walked out alone in the strength of his God with just a sling and five stones, slain the giant Goliath, 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 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 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. The lone relative, Mephibosheth, dined at his table in an era when kings routinely put the relatives of the previous royal family to death. When I was in the hospital to have a 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 we should be roommates 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.

Father, give us courage to love our siblings in Your forever family.