In 1 Samuel 18:3-4, we read: “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.”
“Hold it, Grandfather. That doesn’t make sense. Isn’t Jonathan the next king?” Grandfather removed his glasses, placed them on his Bible.
“You’re right. Prince Jonathan, King Saul’s son, would be next in line to become king. But we see a picture here that changed everything. Jonathan and David entered into a covenant. The day they made an agreement, they exchanged places. The robe represented the person. The armor, protection, the sword and the belt were treasured items--”
“Whoa, Grandfather. I wouldn’t give my sword away.”
“I agree--a difficult decision. These instruments of power and protection, usually surrendered to the enemy, Jonathan gave gladly, as he transferred his royal power from Saul’s family to David.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Jonathan knew David would be the next king.” Grandfather held up his hand. “I don’t know how he knew. Maybe Samuel, the prophet told him. But he trusted David to make the right decisions and knew the Lord God was with him.”
“That’s really important?”
“The most important thing we will ever learn is the Lord Jesus is with us--forever.
“It was only a story until I met the Lord Jesus and realized He is my Jonathan. He willingly gave up His place in Heaven to come to earth and exchange places with me. No way could I be in the royal family--until the Lord Jesus came with his invitation of forgiveness, grace and love.”
“I believe, Grandfather. Will the Lord Jesus be my Jonathan, too?” Grandfather put his arm around Timmy’s shoulder, swallowed the lump, eyes shining.
“Hold it, Grandfather. That doesn’t make sense. Isn’t Jonathan the next king?” Grandfather removed his glasses, placed them on his Bible.
“You’re right. Prince Jonathan, King Saul’s son, would be next in line to become king. But we see a picture here that changed everything. Jonathan and David entered into a covenant. The day they made an agreement, they exchanged places. The robe represented the person. The armor, protection, the sword and the belt were treasured items--”“Whoa, Grandfather. I wouldn’t give my sword away.”
“I agree--a difficult decision. These instruments of power and protection, usually surrendered to the enemy, Jonathan gave gladly, as he transferred his royal power from Saul’s family to David.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Jonathan knew David would be the next king.” Grandfather held up his hand. “I don’t know how he knew. Maybe Samuel, the prophet told him. But he trusted David to make the right decisions and knew the Lord God was with him.”
“That’s really important?”
“The most important thing we will ever learn is the Lord Jesus is with us--forever.
“It was only a story until I met the Lord Jesus and realized He is my Jonathan. He willingly gave up His place in Heaven to come to earth and exchange places with me. No way could I be in the royal family--until the Lord Jesus came with his invitation of forgiveness, grace and love.”
“I believe, Grandfather. Will the Lord Jesus be my Jonathan, too?” Grandfather put his arm around Timmy’s shoulder, swallowed the lump, eyes shining.
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus made the grand exchange for me. He took my sin, paid it in full. He loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?