Bible Passage: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 18:1-30
King David was a wife stealer and murderer (2 Samuel 11:1-27).
His failure to discipline his son Absalom cost the lives of many of Israel’s sons (2 Samuel 13-18).
David also led with a staggering competence—Israel and outcast alike thrived under his leadership (1 Samuel 22:2). He was a man hardened by elements and danger into a living tool who could slay lion, bear, and giant (1 Samuel 17:36) to protect the last, least, and best alike.
David’s dangerous life fueled his tenderness, compassion, and artistic flair (Psalm 23:1-6). He was God’s poet, and a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
David isn’t the best of us or the worst of us; he’s one of us.
At our best, men dream of fighting Goliaths, and at our worst, we dream of our own Bathshebas. David did what we dream of.
He isn’t the best of us or the worst of us; he’s just one of us who had the power to do what the rest of us dream of, for good or for bad.
A question that hangs over the David story, in all its ghastly and godly humanity, is “What if Jonathan had lived?”
Would David have made different decisions with Absalom and Bathsheba if his best friend had survived?
Would Jonathan, who loved David as he loved himself (1 Samuel 18:1), have been able to straighten out his friend amidst the pressures and humiliation of aging, weakness, and family drama?
How would the David story have been different if his friend had lived?
Many men live without any good friendships. Many of us have given up hope of ever finding a Jonathan—of someone who would love us “as he loved himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). Many men long for brothers who help us find strength in God (1 Samuel 23:16). Many of us can’t imagine someone advocating for us, risking their life for us, and even surrendering their success to make way for us like Jonathan did for David (1 Samuel 18-19).
This week, we’ll look at the power and strength of friendship among men. We’ll analyze and catalyze the journey to becoming the kind of friend that the friend you’re looking for is looking for.
Prayer: Lord, You made men to live together in families and communities with friendships to enjoy, strengthen, and protect us. Let there be a revolution of healthy and godly friendships among men. Thank You for what we have…and please give us more. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, the Friend of sinners and the One who called us friends (John 15:13-15). Amen.
Reflection: Who are your best friends? However rich or poor your friendships are, think of one or two people who are your closest friends. Thank God for them, and consider calling or sending them a message to express your gratitude today.
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