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.
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It is said of Martin Luther that he dreamed he was transported to heaven and there noticed thousands of boxes with his name on them. When he asked the angel what they were, the angel replied, “These are answers to prayers that have never been asked.”
God has much more for us. He reminds us that “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2).