Iron, Batman, and Brotherly Love
Imagine having a friend who puts your welfare above their own. That’s what we find in the friendship between Saul’s son Jonathan and David in today’s readings of 1 Samuel 20. Dark forces influence Saul, and he wants to kill David. David feels he’s one step away from death. Jonathan vows to help David.
‘So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the Lord destroy all your enemies!” And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. ‘
1 Samuel 20:16-17
Jonathan was willing to give up his right to the throne. He accepted God’s divine providence and chose to be a loyal friend. We see such a great example of friendship here. We all need friends like Jonathan, and we should strive to be such a friend. In my 55 years, I’ve had many good friends. Unfortunately, many of the friends I’ve had in the past were just along for the ride because we shared a common goal — to party. My best friends that I still keep in contact with are the ones that seek Jesus daily. Now, most of my friends attend the same church; our primary goal is developing our relationship with Christ. God’s good and perfect will should be our primary goal in friendship, lifting others up and staying loyal to Christ and to each other.
‘As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. ‘
Proverbs 27:17
It’s no coincidence that Taylor spoke about the 3 types of friends we need in Sunday’s message.
- A Paul: A mentor who is more experienced in the faith and can pour wisdom into your life.
- A Barnabas: A steadfast companion who is always in your corner (the “Robin to your Batman”).
- A Timothy: A newer believer whom you can mentor and shepherd.
I love that. The harvest is great, the workers are few; we must have Christ-centered relationships.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for good friends. Lord, forgive us when we haven’t been the best friends we can be. Holy Spirit, bring good friends into our lives, friends who seek a better relationship based on our Heavenly Father’s perfect will, and help us be great friends to others. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.