1 Samuel 18:1-30
Saturday, 20 November 2021
"Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt. So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; ….. 1 Samuel 18: 3-5
God gave victory to David against Goliath the giant and the Philistines, thus revealing David to Saul (1 Samuel 17). Today’s reading commences with an immediate bond being forged between Saul’s son, Jonathan and David. From that point on, Jonathan became David’s advocate and friend. Christ Jesus becomes our Friend and Advocate when we come to our Heavenly Father in faith and repentance- revealing our ourselves, in need of His help!
We see Jonathan and David making a covenant. In Vs.4 it says: “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.” When we come into a covenant relationship with Christ, He gives us everything we need. He loved us such that He laid down His life for us. From the moment, we come into a relationship with Him, the robe of righteousness is given to us, the whole armor of God is ours to enable us to stand against the wiles of the enemy and take victory over every situation and prosper in every work according to God’s will.
Saul received David into his own household that day, no more to return to the home of his father. What a privilege to become part of the body of Christ! We don’t have to go back to our old ways of living. [2 Cor.5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;…”]
The Christian life is a journey until we reach our eternal home. But day by day while we are still on earth, God wants us to grow more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). To help us along in our journey and have victory over our internal enemy (self) and external enemy (powers and principalities of the air) He has provided us with His armor. Until David came into the place of rest and peace there were battles to be fought. It is the same for us; hence we are given the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13).
Belt of Truth. Not only does the belt hold everything in place, but it also carries the sheath to hold the sword for ready access. Christ is “…the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). The belt of truth helps us stay in the truths of God’s Word.
Breastplate of Righteousness. Satan may try to accuse us often of our failings and shortcomings. The only way we can experience victory with the battles of our mind, is through the confidence that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us and we are forgiven.
Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace. The foot is a symbol for the walk of a person’s life. As we spread the good news, it will strengthen us (and others) against the enemy’s attacks.
Shield of Faith. Like a warrior’s shield is his first line of defense, faith in Christ’s blood is ours too. Our faith should rise above our fears, satanic lies, feelings and circumstances. Remember His Word says, repentance and faith in Christ ensures we are accepted in the beloved as holy and righteous. Faith is also the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1-2)- it helps us wait patiently while the battle is being fought.
Helmet of Salvation. Our mind should not be open to anything and everything. Studying His Word enables us not to be carried away with every wind of doctrine and trickery of men but enables our mind to be renewed so that we do not conform to the world (Romans 12:2).
Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Our confidence should be in the power of words that come from God’s mouth not on the confidence in our ability to wield it. God’s Word spoken rightly to situations gives us the victory.
Let us understand our privileges in Christ and make sure we wear God’s armor upon us so that we live a victorious Christian life!
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Eph.6:11)