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REFLECTION

The theme of our reflection is the bond between Jonathan and David. A bond is a close connection between two or more people based on shared feelings, experiences or interests. We shall focus on the bond between David and Jonathan.

Jonathan was a man of integrity who reasoned beyond his father’s paranoid character and incessant inclination for power. Jonathan and David shared a strong bond that was beyond obsession with political power and wealth. Politically and economically, Jonathan would have benefited greatly if David had been killed, yet when “Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.” (1 Samuel 19:1-3) This kind of friendship is rare in our time, especially when power and wealth are at stake. Some will conspire to destroy their friends in exchange for power and wealth but Jonathan has shown us that true friendship transcends power and wealth.

Jonathan’s love for David was unconditional and protective. Jonathan did that which was unconventional by speaking truth to power, irrespective of the fact that Saul was his father and the King of Israel. “Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul, his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5 He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” 6 Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” 7 So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.” 1 Samuel 19:4-7) Jonathan has indeed demonstrated that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:6-7) Jonathan’s bond with David has taught us that blood may be thicker than water, but truth is thicker than blood. It is not surprising that “Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.” (1 Samuel 20:34) Beloved in the Lord, friendship built on truth and honesty is more meaningful, fulfilling and enduring than a familial relationship that survives on conspiracy, pretence, dishonesty and evil. We must learn to speak and stand by the truth rather than support an oppressive system led by family relations, especially in modern-day political systems.

Jonathan and David’s bond not only saved David’s life but also preserved Jonathan’s generation and legacy. “Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” (1 Samuel 20:42) The important elements that sustained the bond were the fear of God, unconditional love and faithfulness. Johnathan and David’s bond was tried and tested by King Saul, Jonathan’s father. Jonathan was the heir to Saul’s throne and could have easily betrayed David because David was also the prospective King. Jonathan’s loyalty to David was beyond Saul’s political ambitions for himself and Jonathan. When Saul realised that Jonathan was faithful to David in their bond of friendship, “… Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” (1 Samuel 20:30-31). Jonathan was faithful to David and never betrayed him until he died in battle with his father, Saul. (1 Samuel 31:1-6)

How many people would sacrifice political power and wealth for friendship in our world today? Jonathan and David’s bond was stronger than any influence of power and wealth. Dear friend, power and wealth are ephemeral, but the bond of friendship is priceless and transcends generations. This is where Judas failed; he loved money more than the bond of friendship. He betrayed the bond that existed between him and Jesus. It is interesting, however, that the symbol of a kiss, which signified the bond of friendship between Jonathan and David, was rather the symbol of betrayal between Judas and Jesus. The love of money and power has destroyed many bonds of friendship built over decades. Let us protect the bond of friendship we have with people who love and cherish us through the fear of God, unconditional love, integrity and faithfulness.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us to possess the qualities of love, faithfulness, and integrity, so that we may be faithful stewards of long-lasting and meaningful relationships. Amen.