J0NATHAN - 1 Samuel 18:1-4
"And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking
unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David: and
Jonathan loved him as his own soul.... Then Jonathan and David made a covenant,
because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe
that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword,
and to his bow, and to his girdle."
What an exquisite picture we have
here! A picture of love stripping itself to clothe its object. There is a vast
difference between Saul and Jonathan in this scene. Saul took David home with
him in order to magnify himself by keeping such a one about his person and in
his house. But Jonathan stripped himself to clothe David. This was love in one
of its charming activities. Jonathan, in common with many thousands of Israel,
has watched with breathless interest, the scene in the valley of Elah. He had
seen David go forth, single handed, to meet the terrible foe whose height,
demeanour, and words had struck terror into the hearts of the people. He had
seen that haughty giant laid low by the hand of faith. He participated with all
in the splendid victory.
But there was more than this. It was not
merely the victory but the victor that filled the heart of Jonathan -- not
merely the work done, but the one who had done it. Jonathan did not rest
satisfied with saying, "Thank God, the giant is dead, and we are delivered, and
may return to our homes and enjoy ourselves." Ah! no; he felt his heart drawn
and knit to the person of the conqueror. It was not that he valued the victory
less, but he valued the victor more, and hence he found his joy in stripping
himself of his robes and his armour in order to put them upon the object of his
affection.
Christian reader, there is a lesson here for us; and not
only a lesson but a rebuke. How prone we are to be occupied with redemption
rather than the Redeemer -- with salvation rather than with the Saviour! No
doubt we should rejoice in our salvation; but should we rest here? Should we
not, like Jonathan, seek to strip ourselves in order to magnify the Person of
Him who went down into the dust of death for us? Assuredly we should, and all
the more because He does not exact aught of us. David did not ask Jonathan for
his robe or his sword. Had he done so, it would have robbed the scene of all
its charms. But no; it was a purely voluntary act. Jonathan forgot himself and
thought only of David. Thus it should be with us and the true David. Love
delights to strip itself for its object. "The love of Christ constraineth us."
And again, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ." Phil.3:7, 8.
Oh ! for more of this spirit! May our hearts be drawn out and knit,
more and more, to Christ, in this day of hollow profession, and empty,
religious formality! May we be so filled with the Holy Spirit, that with
purpose of heart we may cleave unto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!