16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house ofDavid, saying, "May the LORD call David‘s enemies toaccount."
17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out oflove for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.
- P54
21 Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows."
If I say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you;bring them here,‘ then come, because, as surely as theLORD lives, you are safe; there is no danger.
22 But if I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are beyondyou,‘ then you must go, because the LORD has sent youaway. - P55
23 And about the matter you and I discussed-remem-ber, the LORD is witness between you and me forever."
23 And may the LORD make us keep our promises to each other, for he has witnessedthem." - P55
Jonathan swears by the Lord that he will tell David if Saul intends to harm him.
He asks David to show him kindness so that he may not be killed. Jonathanmakes a covenant with David and has David reaffirm his oath. - P55
Jonathan saysthat on the evening of the New Moon feast, he will shoot three arrows andthrough a coded message warn David of whether he should flee or not. - P55
When Jonathan promises to inform David of his father‘s intentions,
it is important to note the manner in which he speaks. - P56
Virtually everysentence he utters in this solemn vow mentions God. - P56
He invokes God‘sname to make an oath and calls on God to judge him severely if hefails in his task. - P56
He prays that God‘s presence will be with David andacknowledges that it is the Lord who will give David victory over hisenemies. - P56
Jonathan‘s words are evidence that thoughts of God fill hismind, and a reminder to us to keep God at the center of our
conversations. - P56
When we speak to one another, let name of the Lord alwaysbe on our lips. - P56
Jonathan comes up with a detailed and careful plan by which he willinform David of Saul‘s state of mind. - P56
It is a plan that requires secrecy,
patience, equipment, skill, and the employment of a servant boy. Thestakes are high, and a lot of things could go wrong, putting both men‘slives at risk. - P56
It is a testament to Jonathan‘s love for David that he iswilling to put in the time, effort, and resources to help his friend eventhough he does not personally profit from the plan. - P56
But the willingnessto be inconvenienced for the sake of others is a true sign of friendship.
The next time you feel reluctant to inconvenience yourself to servesomeone, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like love. - P56
Lord God, forgive me when I go through my day ignoring Your presence andneglecting to nurture my relationship with You. - P57
Help me to actively seek Youin all that I do and to serve others as You have served me. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P57
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