264. Friendship in the name of the Lord: The Lord is witness.

21 April 2022

David and Jonathan by Rembrandt, c. 1642 • Public domain

Friendship in the name of the Lord.

1 Samuel 20

42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

John 15

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

From biblestudytools website/bible-study/topical-studies/beautiful-lessons-in-biblical-friendship-from-david-and-jonathan.html

"An Unlikely Friendship

Jonathan, already a great man of war, likely met the young David in the palace on one of the many occasions that David was called upon to play the harp, or lyre, for the emotionally tormented King Saul. (“David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem” 1 Samuel 17:15). Their friendship began though soon after David slew Goliath.

While most men in Jonathan’s shoes would have felt jealous and threatened, Jonathan saw what God saw in David: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). And David was “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). David often gets recognition for his heart for God, but Jonathan clearly had a depth of spiritual insight and discernment worth mentioning and remembering.

David was a shepherd; Jonathan was a prince. Jonathan had his own armor; David had a harp and a slingshot. Jonathan grew up in the palace and was trained in the art of war; David grew up in the “little town of Bethlehem” and was trained to tend sheep. Jonathan was the oldest son and in line to inherit the throne; David was the youngest of eight boys and anointed the next king in place of Jonathan. Jonathan was of the tribe of Benjamin; David the tribe of Judah. Despite their differences, they were, arguably, the best friends the world has ever known.

Jonathan and David came from very different backgrounds, but they had a few key things in common: They were both warriors, they were men of faith who served the living God, they were provided with God-given courage and strength, and they needed each other.

In Jonathan’s honor, David cared for his son, Mephibosheth (lame in both feet), who ate at David’s table “like one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11).

 A true friend is true

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”(Proverbs 17:17)."

Seems to be just yesterday, I went through the test to be my own man and I failed.

No work and no money, and got sick under severe pressure when my children were starting college.

Same time it was test in the heart, to know my God and put my trust in Him. I put my ears to listen to His words for I was tired and restless. 

His message came through one whom I met first time, Pastor Dan Guzman, for I was shying away from people because of my adversity. I am thankful for my God, who sent a friend and a brother born for my time of adversity.

In adversity, I came to know no greater love than Lord Jesus', He laid down his life for you and me.

""My intercessor is my friend

    as my eyes pour out tears to God;

on behalf of a man he pleads with God

    as one pleads for a friend" (Job 16:20-21). Lord, my intercessor, I give you thanks, in Jesus' name. Amen.

4 April 2018"

May you be blessed with God's Word.

Maraming salamat.