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 18:3,4, NKJV)

The Bible tells us that, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan had a heart of self renunciation, putting David and his needs before himself. His heart was tied to David’s heart by a cord of unselfish love. In this Jonathan fully committed himself to his friend, making a lifelong covenant with him. Jonathan’s commitment was first to God, then to David. So our commitment should be. First to God, then to others.

Jonathan’s commitment led him to have a deep sense of loyalty to David. His father Saul was king. Saul was so jealous of David that he unjustly sought to kill him. Jonathan loved and honoured his father. Because of this, his faithfulness to David was tested. Yet Jonathan followed the right path. He pledged his loyalty to David, even if it cost him his relationship to his father. In turn Jonathan felt the wrath of Saul, who “Cast a spear at him to kill him” (1 Samuel 20:33). The devil tempted Jesus to be disloyal to his heavenly father after his baptism, to “Fall down and worship” him (Matthew 4:9). In doing so he dangled the possibilty of avoiding the horrors of the cross. But no hardship or pain swayed the course of Jesus. He was loyal to God and to those he came to save. Jonathan’s relationship to David also showed an unwavering loyalty.

True commitment and loyalty involves sacrifice. Jonathan’s love for David cost him much, but much he was willing to pay. Jonathan was in line to be the next king, but David had been annointed by the prophet Samuel for that position. By protecting David from Saul’s wrath, Jonathan was honouring God. He also was forfeiting his opportunity to become king, as Saul himself strongly reminds him (1 Samuel 20:31). Yet Jonathan surrenders his robe, armor, sword, bow and belt to David. In so doing he surrendered his rights. Jonathan sacrificed his opportunity for worldly gain and honor. He died on the battlefield, whereas David went on to become king.

What kept Jesus on the cross? Simply put, it was nails! At least three huge nails went through his hands and feet, holding him to that tree. But those physical nails were not strong enough, for with divine power he could have easily come off that cross. What actually bound Jesus was his love, expressed through his commitment, loyalty and sacrifice! Love is not merely an emotion; it is wedded to selfless actions. Jesus’ self-sacrificial actions proved his love. Jonathan’s actions proved his love for David, and for God.

These three nails must penetrate more than the wood of the cross. They are meant to penetrate your mind and heart. Pray they do so! And pray that others will see these nail prints through your actions.