February 7, 2006

 

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 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. --1 Samuel 18:1-4

 

In ancient times, blood covenants were prevalent. You’ve heard of American Indians who became blood brothers. Two people would take a knife and actually make a slit in the wrists and then clasp hands mingling their blood. That’s exactly what took place between Jonathan and David — they pledged their devotion to one another by way of a covenant. They were closer than brothers, and their covenant of friendship was a symbol to share life, love, and loyalty.

 

Years later, when Saul was overthrown and killed, and David had ascended the throne of Israel, he did something very unusual. He could have killed everyone from the house of Saul, but instead he asked if anyone from Saul’s house still remained because he wanted to show them kindness for Jonathan’s sake — and he did (see 2 Samuel 9)! David showed mercy on Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth, and restored his land.

 

First John 2:12 says, “…your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” Before salvation, we were also crippled by the sin of this world. But Jesus came and made a blood covenant with us through His death on the cross that we may be saved. When the Christ was placed upon the cross and large spikes were nailed into His wrists, blood poured out of His veins in the place where it was customary to make a blood covenant.

 

He has made a blood covenant with us — and it’s up to non-believers to accept that covenant and join the royal family of God through acceptable of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you are a believer, thank God for bringing you out of your sin and into a relationship with Him. If you’ve never accepted Christ as Lord and Savior of your life, ask Him to forgive you of your sins, come and take control of your heart and life, believe that He is King, and thank Him for shedding His blood for you.

 

THE ONLY MANMADE THING IN HEAVEN WILL BE THE SCARS IN THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS — ETERNAL SIGNS OF OUR BLOOD COVENANT WITH HIM.