*DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL*
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020
*COVENANT OF BROTHERHOOD*
*BIBLE READING: ACTS 2: 42-46; 9:1-5*
*"So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “Let the Lord require it at the hand of David’s enemies.” Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (NKJV).*
We have established the meaning of a covenant and some of the benefits of the vertical dimension of a covenant relationship - between man and God. Today, we will discuss the horizontal dimension of covenant relationships – between brethren, because the path of progress and dominion require that you efficiently harness the synergy between man and God (the enforcer of such covenant relationships).
A covenant of brotherhood is a covenant relationship with a kingdom-minded person for the purpose of:
• Devotion
• Protection
• Business partnership.
Our key text highlights the soul-knitted covenant relationship between the house of Jonathan and the house of David (1Samuel 18:3). Jonathan, was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel, and he loved David and cut a covenant with him; the covenant inspired Jonathan to give gifts to David – *“Jonathan stripped himself of the outer robe that he was wearing and gave it to David, with his armour, including his sword, his bow, and his belt (1Samuel 18:4 AMP).*
The brotherhood between Jonathan and David exceeded the love of a man for a woman as expressed by David - *“I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been a good friend to me. Your love toward me was more wonderful than the love of women (2 Samuel 1:26 AMP).*
A covenant of brotherhood will go to any length to ensure that the other party is out of harm’s way– *“Therefore show kindness to your servant, because you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity (guilt) in me, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father [to be killed]?” Jonathan said, “Far be it from [happening to] you! In fact, if I indeed learn that my father has decided to harm you, would I not tell you about it?” 1 Samuel 20:8-10 (AMP).*
The advantages of a covenant of brotherhood transcends the parties, their offsprings also benefit from the covenant as evidenced by King David when he honored Mephibosheth – *“David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will certainly show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall always eat at my table.” Again Mephibosheth lay himself face down and said, “What is your servant, that you would be concerned for a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:7-8(AMP).*
Key tenets the parties to a covenant of brotherhood must exhibit for the covenant to deliver results are Honour, Love, and the Fear of God and His representative authority as provided in 1Peter 2:17 – *“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (NKJV).* In your quest to take your sphere of influence for God, endeavor to engage in covenant relationships and you will be glad you did.
*PRAYER POINT
Father, I thank You for the gift of covenant relationships. Anoint my eyes to see and connect with strategic kingdom partners to enable me fulfill Your will for Your glory in Jesus name.
