Corona Devo 626
Good friends are hard to find, but when we do, they are a treasure. And the worth of true friendship exceeds the shallow value of money or success because there is a depth to authentic relationships that supersedes earthly value. It's priceless.
If you have a true friend, then you know.
And if we are a true friend, then we know.
Jonathan was a true friend to David. Their stories and backgrounds were vastly different, but even upon their first introduction, there was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. (3) And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (4) Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt. (I Samuel 19:1, 3-4)
Do we have anyone like that? I hope so. Are we a friend like that to anyone? I hope so.
One of my best friends was a girl that I studied abroad with for 6 months. She was Danish and I was American, and let me tell you, there are a lot of differences between our cultures. But there was an immediate bond between us, and it still spans the continents that separate us.
Jonathan was the son of king Saul. He was raised with riches and was next in line to be king. David was the youngest of eight sons and he knew that he didn't "belong" with nobility: “Who am I, and what is my family...” David exclaimed. “My father’s family is nothing!” (I Samuel 18:18).
But by God's plan, David was in the king's castle, serving Saul, and David became best friends with the king's son, Jonathan.
The Lord's hand on David scared, intimidated and angered king Saul, and these reactions are not foreign to us. Jealousy can rear it's head with friends, family, co-workers, teammates and online.
Learning to handle and process the blessing of others is a big test in friendship and life. Our sinful nature wants what everyone else has, but our spiritual/Jesus-nature will allow us to be happy for others when they experience blessing. (But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~I Timothy 6:6).
Saul was not content with David's success, and he attempted to kill him with a spear twice, and plotted assassination more than once.
But a true friend is loyal, honest, and has our best interests in mind. Jonathan saw the writing on the wall (Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike. ~I Samuel 18:5). Jonathan knew that David's success and popularity had moved David next in line for the crown. And he couldn't have been more supportive. Good friends are hard to find, but when we do, they are a treasure.
Jonathan's friendship humbles me. It's good for us to remember that sometimes our God-assigned role is second-fiddle. The "world" pushes for first place and to be king-of-the-mountain, but what does God say? We must inquire of the Lord and check our hearts and intentions to reveal what God has for us in each relationship.
For Jonathan and David, it soon became clear that David was no longer safe in the "castle" due to king Saul's jealousy. The best friends had to part ways, and even their last interaction had the beautiful earmarkings of authentic friendship:
Then David bowed three times to Jonathan with his face to the ground. Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David.
(42) At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town. ~I Samuel 20:41-42
There is a depth and beauty to true friendship that cannot be replicated by the superficial people and posse's that we sometimes surround ourselves with.
Good friends are hard to find, but when we do, they are a treasure, both when we are together, and even if life constitutes our separation.
Jonathan and David lived out beautiful Biblical examples that we can use in our BFF Manual.
If you have a true friend, then you know. And if we are a true friend, then we know.
It's priceless.
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