Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. (1 Samuel 18:3)
You and I can glean a great deal from the friendship that existed between David and Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of King Saul; David was the king’s servant. When David went out to battle and returned victorious, the people would shout, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul became insanely jealous of David, and even tried to kill him several times. But Jonathan never wavered. He was a true friend to David, even when it hurt his own relationship with his father. True friendship is costly and demands sacrifice, a sacrifice which Jonathan willingly made for David.
So what does a true friend like Jonathan look like lived out in the life of another? It is someone who, when you need it most . . .
- Listens without lecturing
- Comforts without condemning
Jonathan loved David as himself and refused to follow his father into his sinful murderous plots against David. Jonathan was more concerned for David’s well-being than his own. One day King Saul actually tried to kill Johnathan—his own son! Remarkably, Jonathan defended David to his father even when David was not around, which is truly rare today. Jonathan rejoiced when David rejoiced and grieved when David grieved.
Here are two questions to answer:
- Do you have a friend like Jonathan in your life today?
- Are you a friend like Jonathan to someone else?
To be sure, Jonathans are a very special gift from God, and they are to be valued above the riches of this world. If you have a Jonathan-like friend in your life, pause to reach out and tell them what they mean to you. We all need a Jonathan and we all need to be Jonathan to others. Remember, as the old saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Who right now needs you?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 