Prayer Journal
Wednesday, October 25, 2000
"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." 1 Sam 18:3
Every person needs a friend -someone to turn to when things are bleak and someone with whom to rejoice when things are bright. The Bible says there is no greater love than what's demonstrated by someone who is willing to sacrifice his life for another. Through trial and through tribulation, friends stick closer than brothers.
Jonathan was son of the king and could have chosen anyone in the kingdom to be his friend. But he chose this shepherd boy. David was God's replacement for Jonathan's father. I doubt Jonathan knew that. And I doubt he knew David had been anointed by Samuel or that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David as it left his father. Jonathan loved his father and he loved David.
Such it is with friendships. Sometimes it's hard to love one person without offending another. Unfortunate but true, friendships are always tested and not everyone calling themselves a friend will stay to the end. Some people are "fair weather" and some are "faithful" friends. One can recognize a friend when things get rough. It's much harder to recognize your friends when things are going good.
Jonathan proved his friendship to David many times. If his father sought David's life and Jonathan knew it, he would warn his friend. Jonathan tried to influence his father to trust David as he did, but was unsuccessful. He, like his friend was known to dodge a spear or two while trying to preach reconciliation. In the end Jonathan went down with his father, but David always remembered his friend and years later honored Jonathan's son in honor of his friend.
Do you have godly friends? Someone has aptly said, to have a friend you must be a friend. Sounds like a good place to start. Amen?
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
