Friendship - July 10, 2009

Due to Pastor Dan's travel throughout Tanzania and the lack of internet connection because of that, you will be able to enjoy the devotionals of our guest writers for a few more days.

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." Quote by: Walter Winchell

In 1 Samuel 18, the Bible gives us a description of a friendship between Jonathon and David. The Bible says, “After David had finished talking with King Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day forward Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathon took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." NIV
Jonathon was next in line to be the King of Israel as the son of the current king, Saul. However, the prophet Samuel had anointed David, son of Jesse as the next in line to be king over Israel. Despite this, David and Jonathon were able to forge a friendship that went beyond even the natural boundaries and allegiances that Jonathon should have had to his father. Jonathon gave up his seemingly natural rights to be next in line to rule the kingdom. The story of friendship between Jonathan and David is quite remarkable and gives us insight into being a faithful friend. Sometimes as friends, we don’t know exactly how to be a good friend to one another. Jonathon however, showed remarkable love and friendship for David.
1 Samuel 19
- King Saul instructed Jonathon and all the attendants to kill David but because Jonathon was very fond of David, he warned David to go into hiding while Jonathon intervened for him before King Saul.
1 Samuel 20
-In David’s fragile emotional state while running for his life, Jonathon showed great compassion to him as he proved his friendship to David. King Saul continued to try to kill David, but at this point refused to tell Jonathon his plans because Saul realized that Jonathon’s friendship was strong towards David. Jonathon refused to do wrong to David despite his father’s intent to harm David.
Time after time, Jonathon proved his love and devotion to David. After Saul and Jonathon were killed in battle, David was lamenting for Saul and Jonathon. David sang, “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathon, my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful….” Jonathon and David had a strong friendship as brothers that were proven through many acts of devotion, brotherly love and commitment.
What kind of qualities do you look for in a friend? Brotherly love? Compassion? Kindness? Ability to listen in times of stress? Ability to help intervene in times of trouble? Good listener?

Today strive to be a good friend to people around you. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances and troubles, press into showing Christ’s love to those around you as a faithful friend.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up"