Text:
1 Samuel 20:34-42; 2 Samuel 9:1
Memory Verse:
“Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, “May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.”’ So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city” (1 Samuel 20:42).
A promise is a commitment or declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. It is an assurance given to another person. Jonathan and David had become very close friends to the annoyance of Saul, Jonathan’s father, who knew his son was jeopardising his future (1 Samuel
20:30-32). Indeed, Jonathan was unconcerned about his father’s fears because his love and commitment to David were sincere. He kept his promises to David, not minding the outcome.
It was only right that David reciprocated the love of one who showed his commitment so clearly by giving him his robe, armour, sword, bow and belt.
David’s commitment too was total and was eventually tested after Jonathan was killed at war. Since no one else knew about the promise he made to Jonathan, he could have easily reneged on it, but he did not. In 2 Samuel 9 we read that he sought out descendants of Jonathan, so he could keep his promise.
God, our perfect example, made promises to Abraham about his descendants and to this day, He is still keeping them. The Israelites still live in the land God gave to Abraham. He also kept His promise to David about always having a descendant on the throne. We can also learn from Jacob, Hannah, and Jephthah, who fulfilled their promises to God (Judges 11:30,35&36,39).
Do you keep your promises? Do you think deeply before making promises so you can be committed to keeping them? You must not make promises that you cannot or do not intend to keep.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, I repent for every promise I have reneged on.
2. I ask for grace to carefully consider my words, O God.