Has God ever provided you with an unexpected friendship at a critical moment in your life?
When we consider David’s life, we discover that Jonathan, son of King Saul, played a critical role. Facing death threats and confusion, God provided David with a true friend. When David needed him most, Jonathan discerned God’s will and sacrificially loved David with a fierce loyalty. In many ways, Jonathan is the ‘hero’ in their friendship.
Their relationship teaches us much about the nature and character of true, God-centered, friendship. It illustrates Proverbs
18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” God created a bond between David and Jonathan that couldn’t be destroyed by parental hatred, jealousy, or conflicting destinies.
- Covenantal Trust (18:1-4)
- Resolute Loyalty (19:1-7; 20:28-34)
- Genuine Authenticity (20:41-42)
- Steady Encouragement (23:15-18)
- Sacrificial Giving (18:1-4)
Reflection Questions:
- What kind of friend are you? By God’s grace, how do you hope to become a better friend?
- Jonathan (like John the Baptist with Jesus) humbly submitted to God’s will in his friendship with David. What lessons can you apply in your friendships from these examples?
- Where do things stand in your friendship with Jesus? What needs to change?