PROTECTING OUR FRIENDS

April 14, 2020

PROTECTING OUR FRIENDS


Then Jonathan said to David, “whatever you say, I will do for you.” (1 Samuel 20:4)

It is a rare and precious gift to have a deep friend in this life, but there are few things more valuable. Blessed is the man or woman who has a friend like Jonathan.

Jonathan and David were such friends to each other. Jonathan, King Saul’s son and heir to his father’s throne and David, the shepherd-warrior who had served Saul faithfully enjoyed great friendship. This friendship was tested and found true when Saul became jealous of David and sought to kill him. But Jonathan protected David more than once. the reason is found in 1 Samuel 20:

Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved his as he loved his own life. (1 Samuel 20:17)

The heart of this friendship was genuine love. It was a manly and godly love that led them to protect each other. David’s name was safe in Jonathan’s mouth. Even though Jonathan knew that David’s ascension meant the loss of his own position on the throne, Jonathan still preserved his life.

Real friendship means that I protect my friend, regardless of the loss to me. Happy is the man who has such friends in this life. And, wonderful the man who comes to know the perfect Friend, Jesus Christ, who always “sticks closer than a brother.”

Father, make me a friend like Jonathan to others. Make me faithful so that my friends can always trust me to protect and provide for them with my life. And by your grace, give me some friendships like this. Thank You for Your friendship—for the intimacy with Your Son and the indwelling of the Spirit who will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You that my life is safe in Your hands.

 

 

 

 

 





Also in Graceful Truth

REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 15)
REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 15)

March 15, 2023

This is the heart of revival, both personal and corporate. Revival intimates two things have occurred: a drifting and a return. We have wandered from Christ. Our hearts have become cold and lifeless. To be revived is to be brought back to that which is life itself. It’s not a return to a program or a discipline. It is to fall in love with Jesus all over again. It is a repentance unto Him.

Continue Reading

REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 14)
REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 14)

March 10, 2023

Is prayer a nice thing to do? Something we resort to when we are in a serious situation? A word to describe one of the disciplines of the Christian life? Secondary, but not really all that essential? Something we do as a segue between songs on a Sunday morning? Or is it the essence? The foundation? The fragrance that is to pervade everything for the serious follower of Jesus? The ultimate pathway to communion with God and the source of life and power for all we are and do?

Continue Reading

REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 13)
REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (Part 13)

March 09, 2023

Why should we pray fervently for the blessing of a nationwide or worldwide spiritual awakening? Why should we unite (as Jonathan Edwards said) in “explicit agreement and visible union among God’s people in extraordinary prayer for a revival of religion and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom on earth?” Why should we seek to cooperate together and not tear apart the beginnings of His awakening in our nation?

Continue Reading