Lately, I have been reading in I and II Samuel. I started reading there because I wanted to study Hannah, and other women that God chose to fulfill his purpose. I got caught up reading about Saul's kingship, and then of course the story of David.
As I have been reading I fell in love with the story of David, and Saul's son, Jonathan. The closeness that the two of them shared is not one you often see between men. The bible says that Jonathan loved David as himself. When Saul promoted David through the ranks of his army, Jonathan stood by David, rather than being jealous of him.
These two friends made an oath to each other. Jonathan promised to stand by David as he faced his enemies, even to the point of putting himself in danger by his own father. David swore that he would show unfailing kindness and never cut off his kindness to Jonathan's family.
The story is tragic, because Jonathan is killed in battle. David was understandably devastated. There is a brief mention of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, but later in II Sam. David fulfills his oath to show kindness to Jonathan's family. Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet. It says "Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons." David loved his friend so much that he made sure this son was treated as one of his own. No wonder he was considered to be a man after God's heart.
Recently, I have been pondering the friendships God has brought into my life. I call them my heart friends. They are the kind of people who know your biggest flaws, and love you inspite of them. The Lord knows us so well, that he places those people in our lives that just fit us.
There are a few I want to honor and thank for loving me as themselves. Lisa, who is always encouraging me. She is the most devoted and loyal friend anyone could ask for. God brought Elaine into my life to show me the importance of building my house on the foundation of the rock. I have never met a woman so prayerful! There is Jane, who always builds me up and shows me how a woman of God conducts herself. My friend, Paige, is the kind of person who you can spill your guts to and she will never judge and will always hold those things in confidence. Then there is my newest heart friend, Sherry. She has brought so much laughter into my life and shown me how to cling to Jesus, even when it seems easier to let go.
I am amazed at how God shows us his love through our friends. I know I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I thank God for the Jonathan and Davids in my life!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
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7 comments:
That is great that you have been blessed by such wonderful friendships- you have been that kind of friend to many as well. You probably don't realize what your kindness has done or how much it has meant, but please know what a blessing you are in so many lives!
Wow. You should totally read The Friendships of Women. I have way forgotten the author's name, but it was a brilliant book-- with strong mention of the bond between David & Jonathan, and how unusual that is in men.
1 Sam. 23:16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
That's what a friend does. They help you find strength in God. A true friend cares more about how you and God are doing than how you are doing with anyone else. They want to do anything they can to help you look more and more like Jesus.
I've had friends like that in my life, but they are few. Sarah ... I'm grateful to get a glimpse of me through your eyes ... thank you. I see you as one of those friends that wants me to look like Jesus ... the kind that would help me in any way you can to reach that goal.
Your encouragement gives me strength in God. Thank you so much for being my sworn friend.
I second Paige! Your encouragement helps me strive to be more like Christ.
"Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
I love how I feel about myself after just a little time in your presence. I love that we can just find ourselves immersed in scripture without even trying.
And you really are a blessing in SO many lives! Thank you for being my sworn friend too!
Sarah, I am blessed by your words. I am blessed even more by your friendship. I have not had very many friends in my life, lots of people I would consider acquaintances but not friends. You have become a true friend. I love your heart for God...I love your sense of humor...I love the fact that I can count on you for encouragement and for a listening ear...I love, too, that I can count on your prayers for me! Thank you...I'm so glad God planted us in the same place!
Ladies, you're too good to me! I love all of yous! I pray God's blessings in all of your lives!
Your friendship to me has exemplified most the love of Jesus for me. I third Paige and second both Elaine and Sherry. You are the truest friend I've ever known. I love you.
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