Day 79

By

David and Jonathan

Scripture

March 19—1 Samuel 16-19: David in the Court of Saul

Observation

Samuel still grieving over Saul's sin, is instructed by God to anoint a new king—an unlikely young candidate from the family of Jesse. David's obscurity is short-lived, however. After he is enlisted by Saul to play the harp in the king's court, David meets and defeats the Philistine giant, Goliath. But the more David seeks to serve the king, the more his reputation enrages Saul, leaving his very life in jeopardy. Not even David's close friendship with Saul's son Jonathan can bring him immunity from Saul's attacks.

Application

How many close friends do you have? Not simply acquaintances or co-workers or neighbors, but the kind of friend "who stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)?

David found that having a true friend can be more than valuable. On occasion, it can be life-saving! When Saul conspired to kill Israel's future king, Jonathan put his life on the line by informing David of his father's murderous intent. Ignoring his own welfare, Jonathan put God's program first.

What kind of friend are you? Do you establish relationships with other people for what you can gain from them, or what you can give to them? If you're having trouble developing close friendships, spend some extra minutes today reading John 15: 13-15. There you'll find three characteristics of a growing friendship: it demands sacrifice (v.13), obedience (v.14), and communication (v.15).

Pick someone who is only an acquaintance to you now, and begin a "Project Jonathan" in that person's life today. Use the above three principles to help you map out a friendship-building activity or two for the week!

Prayer

Jesus, we have a friend in you! Help us to have strong, loving and lasting friendships. Help us to be good friends—to know our friends fully and accept them unconditionally. In your blessed name, amen!

Make Friends


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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