The story of David in Scripture is the longest, most detailed story we have about any character in Scripture. David's story is filled with instances where God met him through ordinary life circumstances.
We don't often think about this, but friendship is one of the main ways God meets us. Most of us who have spent time around church would be quick to say that if a person wants to get to know God, they should read the Bible, pray, and attend church. I would add friendship to that list. I would argue that God often reveals Himself to us through friendships. Do you agree with that?
Think about some of the friendships you have had in your life. Can you think of friendships that God has used to reveal Himself to you? Can you think of a dark time in your life when a friend helped you get through it? Have you ever said, "I wouldn't have made it through this time without ________!"?
God often uses friendship to encourage us, to challenge us, and to simply be with us.
Read 1 Samuel 18-20. I won't be reading all three of those chapters on Sunday, but this story will help you understand the context of what is going on between David and Jonathan.
In 18:4, Jonathan gives David his tunic, sword, bow and belt. Earlier, Jonathan's father, Saul, tried to give David his armour, but David gave it back. What do you think is the significance of Jonathan giving these items of clothing to him?
In these three chapters of Scripture, Saul makes six attempts on David's life. At this time, David had no power; Saul had all the power. God used David's friendship with Jonathan to preserve David. Jonathan's decision to befriend David cost him the throne. His father was furious at him for choosing to love David. In this friendship, we see Jonathan's selfless, others-focused love toward David. God met David through this friendship. Have you had friends like this? Are you a friend like this?
As you read and ponder this story, I invite you to ask the Lord to help you become a friend to others like Jonathan was to David.
