Day 2: Lay Down to Lift Up
Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt (1 Samuel 18:4).
Lord Jesus, in Your incredible love and grace, You have not only called us friend, but You have proven it beyond all question and beyond all understanding: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). And in Your enabling power, You instruct us to love in the same way: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
O Lord, as we ponder the loving deeds of the Lord (Psalm 107:43), help us to follow the example You have set for us in selflessness and sacrifice. You have shown us Your ultimate sacrifice on the cross. You have also shown us the powerful example of Jonathan who stripped himself (physically and symbolically) of power, prestige, status, might, and majesty, to reach across to David in pure love and friendship.
Jesus, we don't necessarily have the power and status of Jonathan. But we have the love You have poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Help us to be willing, like Jonathan to lay down all that we are to lift up another.
Thank you for the precious gift of friendship. Thank You most of all for Your great love.
Behold what love, yes, love divine,
The Father showed to thee,
In that He gave His only Son,
Thy soul from sin to free.
Refrain:
Such love cannot be fathomed,
’Tis like the boundless sea;
His broken heart so wounded,
Is bleeding now for thee.
He gave His life to make thee whole,
He shed His blood for all,
To heal the body, save the soul—
Then come, for mercy call.
Oh, depths of love to mortals lost,
He suffered on the tree;
Our only hope of heaven cost
His blood—’twas all for thee.
The love of Christ is warm and free,
We live because He died;
His drops of mercy fall on thee,
And all the world beside.
~ Barney E. Warren ~ Published 1900
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