1 Samuel 18

Jonathan, the son of Saul, the man who would have been in line to be the next king of Israel if Saul's dynasty had been established, loved David. His soul was knit to the soul of David. Even Saul saw something in David that was worthy of admiration, and he sent him out to do battle for Israel as a leader over the Lord's men of war.

All the people of Israel agreed with this, and that recognition of David provoked a murderous envy that was lurking within the soul of Saul. Twice David evaded Saul's spear in the king's malicious spiritual agitation.

Saul sent him forth in battle, not so much to lead Israel into victory, but to see David killed. When that plan failed, Saul came up with another. He used his daughters as a prize of war, seeking the young man's death by the hands of the Philistines. But David was victorious in all that he set out to do. He exceeded every expectation.

Saul saw and knew that the hand of the Lord was with David, and it frightened him.

This story is as old as Cain and Abel. We see it in the hatred of the sons of Jacob for Joseph, and we would see it again in the hatred of Haman for Mordecai.

Most especially, we know of One who was truly hated without a cause. Herod wanted to see Him stopped before he was a youth. After He suddenly presented Himself to be baptized by John, the Spirit sent Him into the wilderness to face the evil plans of a most envious spirit. He was rejected by the leaders of His people who should have received Him as Lord. But even when they thought that they were snuffing out His life through a most disgraceful death, they could not defeat Him.

How could Jesus, the Son of Mary, win against the most tremendous odds? He knew the Lord Almighty as His Father, and He was filled with a most excellent Spirit. Everything about Him is worthy of our eternal meditation and admiration.

He fought for His bride and won. He went forth for love, for the glory of God, and for the eternal joy that was set before Him and defeated the enemy that stood against us.

This great Jesus reigns. He was and is simply unstoppable.