By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David - an immediate bond was forged between them. He became totally committed to David. From that point on he would be David's number-one advocate and friend. Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him. He formalised it with solemn gifts: his own royal robe and weapons - armour, sword, bow, and belt.
1 Samuel 18:1,3-4 The Message.
A genuine friend encourages and challenges us to live out our best thoughts, honour our purest motives, and achieve our most significant dreams. Dan Reiland.
A friend is one who takes me for what I am. Henry David Thoreau.
A truly good friend will openly correct you. You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies. Proverbs 27:5-6 CEV.
A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Saul called his son Jonathan together with his servants and ordered them to kill David. But because Jonathan treasured David, he went and warned him: "My father is looking for a way to kill you. Here's what you are to do. Tomorrow morning, hide and stay hidden. I'll go out with my father into the field where you are hiding. I'll talk about you with my father and we'll see what he says. Then I'll report back to you." 1 Samuel 19:1-3 The Message.
A covenant friendship in God's Name. But David said," Your father knows that we are the best of friends. So he says to himself, 'Jonathan must know nothing of this. If he does, he'll side with David.' But it's true - as sure as GOD lives, and as sure as you're alive before me right now - he's determined to kill me." Jonathan said, "Tell me what you have in mind. I'll do anything for you." 1 Samuel 20:3-4 The Message.
"Come outside," said Jonathan. "Let's go to the field." When the two of them were out in the field, Jonathan said, "As GOD, the God of Israel, is my witness, by this time tomorrow I'll get it out of my father how he feels about you. Then I'll let you know what I learn. May GOD do his worst to me if I let you down! If my father still intends to kill you, I'll tell you and get you out of here in one piece. And GOD be with you as he's been with my father! If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family - forever. And when GOD finally rids the earth of David's enemies, stay loyal to Jonathan!" Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David. He loved David more than his own soul! 1 Samuel 20:11-17 The Message.
Jonathan was the son of the king. He was next in line to the throne, yet he was willing to let David, a shepherd, have all that he had to give as a friend and more. Always looking out for David, always defending. Love is still the greatest cure the world has ever known - no matter what the problem. The love of a friend makes you feel totally accepted, just the way you are. The love of a friend asks how you are and really listens for an answer. The love of a friend touches you - even though she knows all about you, she loves you anyway. The love of a friend stays with you when others desert you. The love of a friend is a gift from God.
In the company of a friend, I find love and acceptance. In the arms of a lover, I find rest.
Shalom,
Sv ",+
No comments:
Post a Comment