And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.
Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.
1 Samuel 18:3-4NLT
It's before dawn on Waitangi Day.
The treaty
A pact
A covenant
This example in Samuel reminds me that behind the treaty it was people.
People who looked one another in the eye and made commitments.
This pact, this treaty, we don't have the words of it to argue over or unpick, but we do have the heart.
The intent.
This one is based on love.
The son of the King makes it, steps into it willingly.
And gives up the symbols of his power, his authority, and his identity.
And seems to get nothing back.
Love.
The Son of the King stepped into a treaty with me.
Gave up his power, his honour, his identity.
Was stripped of his clothing.
Gave himself
This is love.
Amazing Grace
Reckless love
A treaty based on love.
Today look for the people and the heart behind the Treaty, but don't lose sight of the Son of the King who makes his treaty with us
#waitangi
#treaty
#itsaheartthing