BEST FRIENDS BEFORE GOD
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you say, I will do for you.’” 1 Samuel 20:4, ESV
Theme: A true friend is willing to help in times of danger or distress.
LOYALTY THROUGH DANGER
This is an account of two men who swore loyalty to each other, in the LORD’s Name. in John 13:34 (NKJV), Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." This verse highlights sacrificial, Christ-like love. Jonathan and David understood that concept years before Jesus walked here on earth, and were best friends in front of God, long before Jesus provided this new commandment. Their plutonic relationship transcended status, background, politics, and gender. Today, some take this verse and use it to falsely push their own agendas. Yet it is clear Godly relationships have existed throughout time … best friends before God.
Today, such a loyal friendship is a rare, invaluable gift which you can give or receive. We have many surface level friends and acquaintances, but true friends are the ones who will never bail on you. True friends will march through the worst of times with you.
DISTRACTIONS
Without cell phones, TV, traffic jams, social media, and the marketing ploys of this complicated world, walking with God consumed the life of the early followers. Today, a true friend, who will take that walk with you, is a rare thing as compared to those living in Bible times.
The distractions in this world today seem to keep us from walking with God–and with each other–a lot more than they should. Isn’t that why He created us? Do you take time for each other, and go through life together? Do you have such a person? Does someone have you? It is a two-way relationship … make that three-way, as God is always there with you.
WALKING WITH GOD TOGETHER
The Bible has many examples of walking with God together. David and Jonathan followed that pattern. "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." Even Jesus was good friends with His young disciple, John.
Do I have such a friend? I sure do. We met in 1959, and talk regularly about our fears, flaws, failings, and fortunes. Now at the ages of 80 and 79, we have supported each other through a lot of decision-making. Whatever one needs, the other will do for him with a sworn loyalty to each other in the LORD’s Name.
These were some tough years for David. His life carried many phases: the shepherding years, the hiding years, the fighting years, and the reigning years. As Saul pursued David, Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s true friend during those hiding years. Saul’s heart hardened against David. His words were not his bond. There is a lot more to the relationship between David, Saul, and Jonathan, and I suggest you read the entire account. Also, the Psalms that David wrote during those times show the suffering and intense emotions of that period but also show that every day is a gift.
Make It Personal: Do you have such a friend? This could be your spouse, someone with different political views or a different age group, and all those things that make us unique. Such a bond creates healthy support, with appropriate and respected boundaries. Such a mutual support system reduces stress, helps one think clearly, increases resilience, has unconditional acceptance … all maintained through an equal effort, respect of privacy, and not overstepping boundaries.
Pray: Father; as we swear our loyalty to You, may we also have the honor to offer loyalty to those who live their lives for You. As we deal with our own demons and adversaries, may we look upon the journeys of both David and Jesus as examples of Your love. Please help us as we rely upon You and walk with You through loyal, loving friendship relationships with others. Through Your ever-presence, may we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. All this we pray in the Name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Read: Micah 6:8, Genesis 5:24, Amos 3:3, 1 John 1:7
Weekly Memory Verse:
“He who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14, ESV