LOVE, LOVE
One Year Bible (May 15)
I Samuel 17:1-18:4
“LOVE-LOVE”
In the game of tennis, the score is kept using the word, ‘LOVE’. Have you ever wondered how in the world they came up with that term? It is a strange one! I can just hear the announcer over the loudspeaker, 6-Love. I don’t know about you, but I think that the person losing is probably not “LOVING” their score.
They say that this word has been used since the 1800s. The most accepted theory is that those with zero points were still playing for “The Love of the Game” despite their losing score.
Our Bible story today focuses on the word, ‘aheb’ which is used 210x in the Bible. It is a common Hebrew word used for love. This word is not the word for “brotherly love” or “sexual love”. It is a word used for a “covenant” kind of love.
Perhaps you are wondering what the meaning of the word “LOVE” has to do with this story. Well, it has EVERYTHING to do with our understanding today. So, perhaps we should start at the beginning…
Did you find the conversation between young David and his older brother interesting? From all, I have read they say that David probably was under the age of 15 when he went (at his father’s request) to take food to his brothers who were serving under King Saul against the Philistine army.
At this time, David first heard Goliath from Gath, who was a “Big, Bad, Bronze, Bully”. He was over nine feet tall and regularly taunted the Israelites to fight him for Israel’s victory. David began asking questions about “Why this pagan Philistine was allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”
David’s brother replied, “What are you doing around here anyway?” He demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” (I Samuel 17: 28)
Can you say R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Now, that my friends, is an example of “brotherly love”. (The kind that Joseph, with the coat of many colors, experienced too!) He obviously did not “GET” his brother!!
Here is what young David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (17:37)
With only a sling, a smooth stone, and a strength beyond his own, David took the giant DOWN! T-I-M-B-E-R!!!!! It was a GREAT FALL…
This was not just WAR; this was a major shift in relationships and leadership for the kingdom of Israel. It was of GIGANTIC proportions!
Do we recall how Jonathan stepped out ahead of his father, Saul, and followed God’s leading to overcome the enemy against the Philistines by sneaking down to their post in I Sam. 14? Jonathan said, “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord.”
Now we see David stepping out in the same bold manner to face the giant! These two guys are “brothers by a different mother”. Note that they are both listening to the same “Father”, the God of Israel, and soon they will be brothers-in-law through marriage. (Sneak Peak)
Saul brings home David and decides to keep him in his kingdom as he is a pretty impressive young warrior. It is at this time that Jonathan meets David for the first time.
Listen to the words and actions from their very first meeting. “There was an IMMEDIATE bond BETWEEN THEM, for Jonathan loved David.” (18:1)
Now, look at the contrast, “Saul KEPT David with him and wouldn’t let him return home.” (18:2) I wonder, “What was Saul’s motivation in keeping David there?” What we do see is that Saul wants David to serve him, while Jonathan chooses to serve David.
Jonathan made a “Solemn Pact” with David and “He loved him as himself”. What do you think is Jonathan’s motivation? Let’s look at this verse in some other translations. “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he ‘loved him as his own soul’. Here is another description of their immediate bond, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David.” (I Sam 18: 1-5)
What does all of this mean? There are three things that I see in this covenant relationship or solemn pact that Jonathan makes with David: 1) Sacrifice, 2) Submission, and 3) Service.
Do we understand the gift that Jonathan is giving to David? Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne, but he gave his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt to David. He gave UP his armor!
He loved him “with his soul” and recognized that David would be GREATER while he would be LESS (Jonathan made a solemn oath or vow which means that it involved God).
Although the son of a king, he would give up his rightful place as the future king because he saw God’s hand moving mightily through David. Little David would not carry the armor for the son of the king, Jonathan. Instead, the rightful heir to the throne, Jonathan would carry the armor for David.
That, my friends, is the meaning of Love-Love. It is not keeping score!
It is about becoming LESS while someone else becomes MORE. Jonathan chose to be “Less” so that David could be “EVERYTHING” God had called him to be!
Love-Love… Sacrifice, Submission, Service.
