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David had a Friend: Jonathan – 1Sam 20
David had a Friend: Jonathan – 1Sam 20
As Saul was going down hill, David’s star was rising. In this situation, David found a friend: Jonathan. As Saul began to persecute David with the intent of killing him, Jonathan stood with David. Jonathan stood up to his father. Jonathan was willing to give up his own right to kingship in support of David. By Jonathan’s help, David did live to become king. We all need friends like Jonathan.
Such friendship is difficult and demanding. Such friendship takes time and energy, which as you know are in a limited supply to each of us. We simply can not be close friends with many people. We must therefore choose our friends wisely.
· Proverbs 18:24: “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
· Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Often situations arise that bring us into bad friendships.
· Proverbs 19:4: “Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend.”
· Proverbs 19:6: “Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.”
To have good friends, you must BE a good friend:
· Proverbs 18:24: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (NKJV)
· Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
One of the most comforting thoughts is that we have such a friend – Jesus. He is a friend to sinners, seeking their good and well-being (cp. Matt. 11:19). Two songs we sing show the two sides of such friendship.
HIS friendship towards us – What a Friend we Have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
OUR friendship towards Him – I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus, My life for Him I’ll spend; I’ll be a friend to Jesus, Until my years shall end.
Jesus said: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14).
Are you a friend to Jesus?
Hugh DeLong
