Friends, each spouse is expected to keep to the marriage covenant faithfully. We read of a man in the Bible who had a perfect understanding of what covenant means. The man in question adhered strictly to the covenant he entered into, at the expense of his father’s favour, and surprisingly at the expense of the throne to which he was an heir-apparent. Jonathan’s first encounter with David was after the slaughter of Goliath (1 Samuel 18), and the covenant entered into that day was kept alive throughout his life time (Read: 1SamueI 20:30-32).
You can’t deny that that was a covenant friend indeed, not even the pronouncement of his dad reminding him of what he will lose, will make him to turn against his friend. And let’s read what Jonathan said to his covenant friend, let’s go through the words of the man who knew God has no pleasure in covenant breakers; the man who knew that when God says “honour your father and your mother”, He didn’t mean that His words should be disregarded.
1 Samuel 23:16-18
16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the forest, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul, my father, shall not find thee; and thou shall be the king over Israel, And I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD; and David abode in the forest, and Jonathan went to his house.
We can hear Jonathan telling his friend not to worry about his (Jonathan) father’s threat, that God is solidly on David’s side, and that David could count on him too. He reaffirmed his love, and told David that the throne is not as important as his love for David. Mister husband, and Misses wife, honouring parents should not be used as a license to disobey God. Your marriage covenant is to the effect that you will forsake all others and cleave to one another. Parents, relatives, and those close friends have not been allowed to separate you. Don’t be ignorant of the devices of the enemy; there is the need for wisdom. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will enable you to have a true understanding of what you have entered into; and your home shall remain glorious in Jesus’ Name, amen.