ESOCS Devotional 30 August
TEXT: 1 Samuel 20:18-42
MEMORY VERSE: “As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times. And they kissed one another, and wept together; but David more so.” 1 Samuel 20:41
David and Jonathan were two souls in true love. It was a soul-tie. They had a deep yearning for each other in their hearts. They were willing to risk or give up anything for each other. Nothing else, and no one else, mattered to them. That is what love should be: true love, though. It is all about sacrifice: genuine sacrifice with unalloyed intentions; love that is given unconditionally. Love is the best gift we could give to anyone.
Love is all about sacrifice, selflessness, and sincerity. Jonathan had a heart of gold. His father had said to him: “For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom…” (V 31). But it didn’t make him change his mind against his friend. He remained faithful still. Later, when he died in the war with the Philistines, David composes one of the most heart-ending songs ever written as a dirge (2 Samuel 1:17-27), titled, THE SONG OF THE BOW:
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain in your high places.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me;
Your love to me was wonderful; Surpassing the love of women.
How the mighty have fallen, And the weapons of war perished!”
(Vv. 25-27)
Later, David said to his servants: “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” (2 Sam 9:3). When they brought Mephiboshet, Jonathan’s crippled son, he said to him: “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul you grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually” (2 Sam 9:7).
David and Jonathan shared Agape Love. Such love does not twist or falter or diminish. No. It endures a life time because it is renewed every morning; like the rising of the sun. It does not betray; it does not fade or wane. No. Rather, it is steadfast and unfailing. It makes sacrifices and is never tired of doing so. It suffers long; it is patient and has understanding. It does not accuse and apportion blame; rather, it absorbs wrong and absolves the loved one from guilt. It is the Christ-like kind of love.
We should practise the Christ kind of love toward people. It comes from a pure heart; and yearns for the wellbeing of others. It does not pretend; it is not a fake. It is real, and genuine. It goes the extra mile to seek the good of others. Let us have that love in us; for that is only how we can be like Jesus in love.
CHALLENGES
- Do you find it difficult practising the Agape kind of love? If yes, what are you doing about it?
PRAYER POINT:
- Pray to God for help to develop a deep sense of Christ-like love for others in you.
FURTHER READING:Judges 5:1-7; 2 Samuel 6:12-23; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20; Revelation 12:1-17
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ESOCS Devotional 30th August
