sacrifice

David and Jonathan enjoyed a close relationship marked by loyalty. Saul, in one of his fits of jealous rage, instructed Jonathan and all the royal attendants to kill David (1 Sam. 19:1). Because Jonathan loved David, he spurned his father’s request and instead warned David of Saul’s murderous intentions (v. 2). Jonathan even tried to change his father’s view of David by speaking well of him (v. 4). He reminded Saul that David had done nothing to harm him personally and that what David had done had actually benefitted Saul greatly.

Jonathan was willing to risk losing his father’s favor or worse because of his commitment to David. Of course, it is possible to take loyalty too far. Yet, Jonathan’s example encourages us to demonstrate and facilitate in our ministries a type of sacrificial loyalty that serves the interests of others, the team, and the larger Kingdom of God.