A Friend You Can't Deny

What kind of friend are you? Are your friends around you loyal, encouraging, truthful, and unwavering? This is the kind of friend and brother-in-law Jonathan was to David. 1 Samuel 18:1 Now it came about, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that Jonathan committed himself to David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.2 And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt. 5 And David went into battle wherever Saul sent him, and always [b]achieved success; so Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

A good, selfless friend is hard to find in a very selfish, prideful world, but when you have a friend like that, you are blessed. Jonathan was the son of Saul, the king, and he stepped back from taking the throne to allow David to soar, and Jonathan "had David's back." Jonathan saw greatness in David, and he ushered him into his position as a strong leader of many men. The above verses say that Jonathan loved David as himself. Wow. That is a true friend, and in the days ahead, Jonathan will be consistent in this friendship almost to the point of death. When David was turned loose to be all God had intended him to be, David's achievements in battle came to the forefront, which was a major problem for Saul, Jonathan's father, but Jonathan remained loyal. Jonathan proved that his covenant with David was real and lasting, and David became a great leader. Jonathan's friendship was a vital part of David's rising to the person God anointed him to be.

When you become that kind of friend to someone and allow their light to turn on, that friendship becomes a God-led part of God's plan, and that is kingdom business done right. Jesus put his mark on this very thing by saying in John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. The love Jesus has for us as our Savior and our friend is a directional love that calls us to a higher calling to make us come alive. Jesus "turns our lights on" by giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us for the journey. We are nothing without His forgiveness, direction, and power. This is literally a "Jesus take the wheel" type of life commitment, and it has the purpose of getting the message of the gospel out to a lost and dying world. Jesus is A Friend You Can't Deny.

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David Warren