Through Thick and Thin

Before David became king of Israel, he was brought into the home of Israel’s first king, Saul who had a son named Jonathan. David and Jonathan hit it off, and we read of them, “…the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.” (1 Samuel 18:1, NASB) Later when king Saul would become jealous of David’s success, Jonathan sought to protect David against the attacks of his own father. After an extended time of being pursued, David heard of the deaths of both Saul and Jonathan in battle. He honored them both, but of Jonathan he said, “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26, NASB)

Later David’s son, Solomon wrote, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NASB) Surely, Solomon must have heard the stories about the great friendship between his father and his dear friend and all that they endured together. It was not an easy friendship, and things happened that would shatter most relationships. But these men remained strong together and their love endured.

Beyond them, we all have things that come into our lives that can shake us at our cores. The question is whether you have someone who is or can be that faithful friend who you will stand with your like a Jonathan? God loves us this way. But what about someone with flesh and blood who along with God the three of you can endure all things? Solomon also wrote, “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NASB)

We are not intended to walk alone.

Posted in Sherman County eNews Spiritual Matters on March 8, 2019