LOYAL FRIEND
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.’” 1 Samuel 19:4, ESV
Theme: Friends loyally defend each other, even if powerful or influential friends or relatives wrongly oppose them.
A GOOD REPUTATION
Usually a good student, my teachers expected me to be on task. Generally, they were correct. However, on a beautiful spring day I remember wanting to be outside, moving, not inside, sitting and learning. Thus, I was talking and horsing around with a few other students. The teacher called out towards the commotion, blaming a few usual suspects, but not saying anything to me. We all took our seats. I knew I deserved at least some of the blame. I felt embarrassed, bad for those who took the blame, and yet relieved that I wasn’t in trouble. I wish I could tell you that I spoke up, that I had apologized and explained that we were all equally responsible, and I was willing to share the blame.
A GOOD TRACK RECORD
As Jonathan explains in today’s scripture, David really hadn’t sinned against Saul. In fact, we read in 1 Samuel 24 (a few chapters after today’s Scripture) that David spares Saul’s life, even though Saul was hunting him with intent to kill. Even in a situation where one might argue David had a right to fight back or take advantage of an opportunity, David respects God’s anointed King. Despite his good character, it is still a surprise that Saul’s son Jonathan becomes David’s best friend. Jonathan is so loyal to David that he takes his side, helps him escape, and is unconcerned that David might usurp the throne meant to be handed down to him from his father by birthright. Jonathan had a lot to lose by defending David.
A LOYAL FRIEND
Jonathan plays a supporting role in the battle for the throne. Saul wants Jonathan to follow his example of hoarding power and dismissing anyone threatening his (or Saul's) authority. David relies on Jonathan for friendship, resources, and information, having nothing but his own friendship to offer in return. Jonathan ultimately dies, a casualty of his father’s poor decision-making and the violence of war. Yet while the character flaws of Saul and David are recorded and obvious – Jonathan appears to have been beyond reproach. Aside from the one instance of unknowingly eating some forbidden honey and being reprimanded by Saul (and nearly executed), Jonathan stays obedient and loyal.
HESED
The Hebrew word hesed (pronounced: kheh-sed; חֶסֶד) means “loyal love.” It is the word used to describe Jonathan’s faithfulness to his friend David. It is also the word used to describe God’s loyal love for His children – us. Saul was the reigning King of Israel. He was tall, imposing, powerful, and wealthy. He commanded an army. He had the ability to execute or dismiss anyone. Yet, Jonathan stood up to him on behalf of his no-name friend, a servant in the king’s service, then an exiled soldier, ousted and hunted. Though David had little to offer in return, Jonathan supported and spoke up for him. Without hesitation, Jonathan honorably spoke truth to power.
Make It Personal: What reaction do you have to a misunderstanding where someone in authority threatens one of your friends? Do you speak up? We would all like to believe that we are loyal friends, yet sometimes our actions surprise and disappoint us. What can you learn from the (low stakes) encounter I had as a student being disruptive in class? In our everyday encounters, especially when facing the powerful, what opportunities do we have to show loyal love to those around us – especially our closest friends?
Pray: Lord, thank You for the many stories we can read about in Your Word. Help me to become a friend who loyally loves like Jonathan and like Jesus. You are so kind to me. I want to see clearly the times that I’m tempted to keep quiet in the face of injustice and hear You when You want me to speak up. Help me to see the difference between remaining quiet and keeping peace versus allowing myself to be wrongly influenced or silenced. It’s tricky! Thank You for being available to speak to me directly, showing me what is right and what is giving in to my own fears and failures. Thank You for forgiving me when I fall short and for teaching me a better way. You know all things and I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 24:1-7
Weekly Memory Verse:
“He who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14, ESV