God-ordained relationships are a blessing from the Lord! This is what David experienced in his relationship with Jonathan.
Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. 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. 1 Samuel 18:1-4
King Saul and Jonathan both took an interest in David after he defeated Goliath. However, their relationships with David were as different as could be. Saul’s relationship with David was a love-hate relationship that over time turned into complete hatred. On the other hand, Jonathan lovingly and consistently cared for David over the years all the way to the end of his life.
Jonathan must have heard the conversation between David and his father and he realized that there is more to this young man than just being strong. He must have heard David’s heart as he spoke to his father and he knew he had a heart for God. Furthermore, David being a shepherd boy would not have been in a position to connect with the crown prince. It would have been Jonathan who would have to reach out to the shepherd boy.
Jonathan and David’s relationship grew to the point that Jonathan made a covenant with David. Making a covenant with someone is a serious decision with major implications. The only reason a covenant between two people can last is because both people have committed themselves not to allow jealousy, competition or ambition to come between them.
What is the quality of your relationships? How many people in your life can you truly count upon that will be committed for your best interests? This doesn’t mean they protect you from the consequence of your bad behavior, but they are willing to support you to grow and become better and stronger than before,
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.