Covenant Connections | 1 Samuel 20:11-17

Vince Miller Podcast

Are you committed to someone in the Lord?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity."

In yesterday's devotional, David let Jonathan know he believes his father is still in hot pursuit of his life. Today, they will make a vow to each other in verses 10-17:

Then David said to Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?” And Jonathan said to David, “Come, let us go out into the field.” So they both went out into the field. And Jonathan said to David, “The Lord, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? But should it please my father to do you harm, the Lord do so to Jonathan and more also if I do not disclose it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies.” And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul. — 1 Samuel 20:10-17

This is a remarkable moment for six reasons:

First, it is Jonathan's most extensive speaking role in all Scripture.

Second, David, the most talked about man in all of Scripture, is remarkably silent in this text.

Third, Jonathan takes responsibility for David's escape by devising a plan to lie to his father and king, which is treason.

Fourth, Jonathan swears two oaths: that he will obtain information and pass it along, which is espionage.

Fifth, Jonathan is aware this will put his life at risk.

Sixth, David would swear an oath to save Jonathan's lineage, a promise he would keep much later.

But the part I love the most about this text is how many times Jonathan invokes the name of the Lord. The Lord is preeminent in this meeting, mission, and moment. It made me ask the probing question: how often have I made plans with another believer in the name of the Lord?

This week, reflect on the possibility of strengthening your relationship with another believer by expressing your desire to support them in their faith. Share your challenges, listen to theirs, and pray together to commit to supporting each other. Many believers have casual friends who are not committed. What David and Jonathan had was a commitment to each other in the Lord, which is what I bet you want and need.

#FaithfulFriendship, #CovenantCommitment, #LoyaltyInChristunity

Ask This:

1. How can you intentionally support a fellow believer in their faith journey this week, and what specific commitments can you make to strengthen that relationship?
2. Reflect on a time when a friend’s loyalty helped you through a difficult situation. How can you cultivate that same level of commitment in your friendships today?

Do This:

Be committed to someone in the Lord.

Pray This:

Lord, help me cultivate deep, committed, faith-based friendships, just as David and Jonathan did. Grant me the courage to support and uplift my brothers in Christ through every challenge we face together. Amen.

Play This:

God of All My Days.