Giving All to Christ2/23/2024 1 Samuel 18:4 ~ "And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt." Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel. His father, Saul, sat upon the throne as the reigning monarch over the nation and there was every expectation in the mind of Saul that his son would someday sit upon the throne. But Saul also knew that God had rejected him as king and would seat David there instead (see 1 Samuel 20:31). David was the chosen king, anointed by Samuel to be the next ruler of the nation of Israel. He was blessed of God, protected and given great victories over the enemies of God's people. Where Jonathan loved David, Saul hated him, was jealous of him, and tried to kill him on several occasions. We see here the struggle between two rulers. The first king, Saul, represents the entirety of human dominion on this earth. The second ruler, David, is the representation of the Divine dominion of Christ. And Jonathan was caught between the two. Would Jonathan sacrifice his greatest opportunity, would he lay down his own glory for the glory of another? The answer is--yes. In doing what he did, putting the robe, his armor and weapons upon David, Jonathan in truth, recognized David as the next ruler of Israel. He offered his princely robe to him--a recognition of David's authority. He offered his armor--a sign of trust. He offered his weapons--indicating his belief in David to lead the nation to victories. Jonathan, in essence, parted with his own glory and surrendered it to David. And now, here we stand, caught between two kingdoms still. The kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of Christ. The world cringes against the Divine authority and will attempt, time and again, to strike against Christ and His anointed position. The question is, what will you do? You're now in the position of Jonathan. You have a decision to make. You know that Jesus is Lord, that He is the anointed of God, that He is given all authority in heaven and on earth. And the enemy tempts us with the same ruse: That you can cast off the Lord's authority and claim it for yourself. The enemy will tell you much of what Saul told his son, Jonathan--as long as He lives, you will never have your own rule. To which kingdom will you belong--the world's or the Lord's? As Jonathan did, let me encourage you, take off your own robes of self-authority and yield yourself to Christ. Trust that God has anointed Jesus to be the One true King of kings. Take off your worldly armor and trust the Lord to be your shield. All your earthly means of trying to guard yourself are no longer needed. You need not protect yourself from Christ, for He will not strike against those who love Him. And take off your weapons and leave them in the hands of Christ. He will lead you in victory, and conquer even your own sin that stands as an enemy against your soul. Beloved, part with your own glory and give it all to Christ. He has made an everlasting covenant with all who trust in Him. And He will bring you into His kingdom--He has promised to do so, sealing the promise with His own blood. In His Grace, Pastor Michael
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply.From the Mountains to the SeaEvery step we take on this journey called life ought to be used for greater understanding. I've lived from the mountains to the sea, and this blog is my personal thoughts and observations with a desire for Biblical understanding. Welcome. Featured BookArchives
October 2024
Categories
All
|
|
© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|