The Power of Covenant Relationships (2)

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4

NLT: After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

These verses speak to one of the most profound examples of friendship in the bible, the covenant relationship between Jonathan and David. It is more than just a tale of two friends; but a powerful illustration of what it means to be bound together in a covenant relationship, reflecting the deep and unbreakable bond that God desires for us in our relationships with one another.

The foundation of their relationship was based on loyalty and love that transcended personal ambition, family ties, and even political power.

The friendship between Jonathan and David was immediately marked by a deep bond SO DEEP…Scripture tells us that "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Samuel 18:1).

Based on (STATUS/POSITION) - Jonathan was the crown prince, the heir to King Saul’s throne - Yet he willingly gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt. These were not just symbols of his princely status but also a sign of his recognition of God’s plan for David. Jonathan’s actions remind us that TRUE friendship and covenant relationships require us to set aside our own desires for the good of the other, demonstrating love that is selfless and sacrificial. In a covenant relationship – there is no room for jealousy, there’s ONLY room for each of us to glean from one another’s successes and strengths WITH the earnest desire to see the other succeed -even if that means someone has to take the back seat!

Continuing in this story – we see that as the tension between David and King Saul grew, Jonathan and David made a covenant before the Lord. Jonathan knew that his father, Saul, was determined to kill David, yet he remained committed to protecting David. Protecting David definitely went against status quo and put Jonathan in both an extremely uncomfortable and unpopular situation….however – he stayed committed to engaging in his friendship in spite of adversity.

What does this mean for us?? As we continue to engage in this sisterhood (not just this weekend but for all time) – we MUST remember that Covenant relationships are built on commitment, not convenience. Jonathan and David’s friendship was not conditional or dependent on circumstances; it was a solemn promise made before God. True relationships with one another will NOT ALWAYS BE CONVENIENT! THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET OUT THE BED, ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE IT AND WILL EVEN BE TIMES WHEN OUTSIDERS DON’T UNDERSTAND AND EVEN THROW DIRT ON THE NAME OF YOUR PERSON – BUT BECAUSE OF THE RELATIONSHIP – GOD WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU CAN REMAIN COMMITTED! Are we as committed when nobody is watching as we are when we are in a group together? Are we willing to love one another even in the midst of adversity and when it may not be popular or even understood???

What we study in this story is a model for us in all our relationships, whether it be friendships, marriages, or our relationship with God. True covenant relationships endure through trials, challenges, and even the threat of personal loss.

Jonathan’s relationship with David was not just about friendship; it played a significant role in God’s plan for Israel. Jonathan recognized God’s anointing on David and supported him, even though it meant relinquishing his own claim to the throne.

Covenant relationships have a divine purpose. They are not just about personal comfort or mutual benefit, but they are part of God’s greater plan. Jonathan’s support of David was crucial in the unfolding of God’s plan for Israel. In our own lives, we need to seek and nurture relationships that align with God’s will, relationships that encourage us to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

The friendship between Jonathan and David is a powerful example of the beauty and strength of covenant relationships. It challenges us to examine our own relationships and to ask whether they reflect the loyalty, love, commitment, and purpose that Jonathan and David demonstrated. Are we building relationships that honor God and fulfill His purposes? Are we willing to make sacrifices, to protect, and to encourage one another, even when it costs us personally? Are we willing to be loyal in public as we are behind closed doors? Are we willing to be selfless, protect, encourage and yes – even hold one another accountable in love unconditionally and without judgment?

A significant key to understand how to steward these covenant relationships according to the will and plan of God for our lives – we must know and understand WHO we are and WHO’s we are in Jesus Christ first! So many miss this important component and wonder why relationships with one another don’t last, are toxic and seem unfulfilling. The truth of the matter is – of I am not comfortable in my own skin – knowing who God says that I am – it will be IMPOSSIBLE to love any one of you the way our father says we should!

Another point to remember here is that we must become sensitive to hearing God’s voice and direction when it comes to entering into a covenant relationship. There may very well be times when we THINK we are in a covenant relationship with someone -but is is NOT God ordained. It was established based on feelings, popularity and at times for our own selfish reasons. The scripture clearly points out that their souls were knitted together ----this is NOT possible when we attempt to connect and intertwine with people that we are only meant to be associates with! Yes, we are required to love everyone with the love of God - however - even Jesus Christ managed his relationships. No question, Jesus did have twelve disciples in whom He strategically invested. However, He also had three disciples that He took to a different level than the twelve. Peter, James and John might well be considered the inner circle of the original twelve disciples. Key point here is - because of the requirements of a covenant relationship - we will more than likely NOT have more than a few of these connections! And, it’s ok! Everyone CAN NOT handle your anointing, calling, purpose and ministry! What Jonathan and David had - we don’t see alot throughout the BIBLE. It was uniquely and divinely orchestrated!

You see – when we look at a covenant relationship and all it requires – what is truly in operation is the fruit of the spirit which are produced in the life of a believer who is living in alignment with the Holy Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit represents the character of Christ being formed in believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. These virtues are not produced by human effort but by yielding to the Spirit's guidance in our lives. As we grow in our relationship with God, these qualities should become increasingly evident in our daily lives, transforming us and impacting those around us.

The Lord is asking us to check the condition of our covenant relationships with one another. Are they in alignment with what he requires of us as believers? Do we demonstrate fruit of the spirit in these relationships or are they conditional based on circumstances, who is around or even how we feel? Do we love based on the love we receive in these relationships? Let’s take some time to check our fruit and reassess our relationships!

As we leave this weekend of engaging in sisterhood, may we be inspired by the example of Jonathan and David to pursue covenant relationships in our own lives—relationships that are marked by the love of Christ, committed to God’s purposes, and that leave a legacy of faithfulness and love.