Do you have a best friend? Someone that you can call no matter the time, and for any reason, or even without a reason? In this day and age of social media, where everyone is a “friend”, I would argue that close, meaningful relationships are rare. And that is not a good thing. Connecting on social media is good. In these current times, it is the most connection we get. However, we must not confuse someone knowing us on social media with someone truly knowing us. We all need people around us who will influence us towards God, who will hold our feet to the fire, and will stand with us when the forces of darkness come at us. That is what we see in 1 Samuel 20.
1 Samuel 20:42 says, “Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, may the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ so he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.”
Jonathan’s father, Saul, hates David. He hates David so much in fact, that he has tried to kill him already, and he is going to continue to try to kill him. One of those standing in Saul’s way was his son, Jonathan. Jonathan loved David, and he could see that David hadn’t done anything wrong. Therefore, in spite of the cost to him, Jonathan was going to protect David.
I see three lessons for us in the story. The big picture is the love of Jesus. In Proverbs 18, David’s son, Solomon wrote that there is one who sticks closer than a brother. That is ultimately a reference to Jesus. It reminds us of God’s deep, abiding love for us, and how He will never turn His back on us. The second lesson is that we need friends like Jonathan. We need that person that will stand up for what is right, regardless of the cost. That friend that we can call anytime day or night. That friend who will stay by our side no matter what. The final lesson that I see is that we need to be that type of friend to others. We need to be the person who loves others regardless of what they do. We must be willing to hold them accountable for the decisions they make. We must be willing to help them out when asked, and even when they don’t ask because they are too stubborn to ask or they don’t know that they need to ask. In a world of acquaintances, seek to be a friend. Know them and be known by them. It just might change your life and those around you.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin