Topic: True Friendship [Monday August 14, 2017]
Text: 1 Samuel 20:35-42
Key Verse: “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city” (1 Samuel 20:42)
Charles R. Swindoll, a notable American preacher and writer, said, “I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.” Swindoll is right. A little trip down memory lane will show you how good friends have amazingly responded when you needed them most. They provided a shoulder to lean on and opened doors you were too weak to open yourself.
The Bible passage today, centres on the story of two loving and devoted friends: David and Jonathan. It was a painful story of their separation at a critical time in their young lives. Jonathan had just discovered the seriousness of the hatred that his father had for David. Saul wanted David dead by all means and Jonathan wanted his friend alive. He had to make a choice between listening to his father’s murderous demand and allowing his friend to escape. He chose the latter.
Consequent upon this decision, David went into hiding while Jonathan returned to the royal court. The friendship between David and Jonathan is an instructive lesson for all. In spite of the wide difference in their social status, Jonathan went all out to support his friend. Jonathan wanted the will of God to come to pass in the life of David and he cooperated radiantly with him. He did not mind his father’s reaction even when he knew that David’s enthronement would jeopardise his chances of becoming a king in Israel. Unlike Joseph’s brothers who wanted to truncate Joseph’s dreams, we must cooperate with our brothers, sisters and neighbours to actualise their God-given dreams.
That is how to be a good friend. We must love our neighbours as ourselves; do good to them that despise us and be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. The beauty of it all is that when you become a good friend to someone, you are likely going to find a good friend waiting for you too in your time of need.
Thought for the day: He who labours to be good to others will equally attract good unto himself.
Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 28-30
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
