ODJ: jonathan’s example
May 2, 2011
Jonathan loved David as he loved himself (v.17).
READ: 1 Samuel 20
When Matt Damon hit it big in Hollywood, he bought two Jeep Grand Cherokees—one for him, and one for his best buddy, Ben Affleck. In an interview with People magazine, he said, “That was our dream car. We flipped a coin on the color. We both wanted hunter green and I won; he got black.” I had to smile when I read that story. Friends dream together. Friends celebrate together. Friends stick together.
When David and Jonathan first met, “there was an immediate bond between them” (1 Samuel 18:1). They remained close even though Jonathan’s father, King Saul, wanted to kill David. Unfortunately, Jonathan had to choose between loyalty to his father and his best friend. He picked David, exclaiming, “Tell me what I can do to help you!” (20:4). Jonathan then helped David escape from Saul. A genuine friend is a loyal friend.
A true ally will also set aside his or her interests to support you—competition won’t corrode your relationship. Jonathan wanted David to be the king of Israel, even though, as his father so crudely pointed out (v.30), Jonathan should have been the next ruler.
Despite the extreme pressure on their friendship, Jonathan trekked out to visit his pal in the hill country of Ziph, where David was hiding from Saul. During their wilderness outing, Jonathan “encouraged [David] to stay strong in his faith in God” (1 Samuel 23:16). True friends make time to spiritually spur each other on.
Reading about David and Jonathan made me wonder, Am I a good friend? Jonathan’s unwavering loyalty, humility, and commitment to David inspired me to look for more ways to serve my friends. While no relationship is perfect, friendship works best when we follow Jonathan’s example: “Jonathan loved David as he loved himself” (20:17). —Jennifer Benson Schudlt
What might you do to improve an existing friendship? How do your current friendships compare to David and Jonathan’s relationship?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODB: it is my business
January 18, 2010 READ: Leviticus 19:11-18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge . . . , but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. —Leviticus 19:18 In 1955, when the South was still highly segregated, Emmett Till, a black teenager from Chicago, visited relatives in Mississippi. After Emmett “dared” to talk to [...]
ODJ: Learn From History
April 25, 2012 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did (v.6). READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 According to education officials in Americas, students are less proficient in their nation’s history than in any other subject. The test revealed that most 10 year olds were unable [...]
ODJ: Don’t Give Up
March 31, 2012 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you (v.14). READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 Are you feeling weary, discouraged, weak, or disillusioned in serving God? Well, you’re not alone. That’s where Timothy is when we read 2 Timothy [...]
ODJ: the spirit, the kingdom
March 21, 2011 Lord, has the time come for You to free Israel and restore our kingdom? (v.6). READ: Acts 1:1-9 One of the many juggling acts parents perform is deciding when to give information to their children. If I know a trip or a family fun time is on the horizon, I want to [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米