23rd June 2023

A True Friend

The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1

Do you have someone that you could call in the middle of the night if you needed help or had an emergency? Such a friend would ask you two questions: “Where are you?” and “What do you need?”

Friends like that are crucial during difficult times. Jonathan was that type of friend for David. Jonathan’s father, King Saul, who was filled with envy at David’s popularity and God’s blessing on him, tried to kill him (1 Sam. 19:9-10). David escaped and asked his friend Jonathan for help (ch. 20). While David hid in the field, Jonathan sat at dinner with his father and quickly realized that Saul did indeed intend to kill his friend David (v 24-34).

Because of their deep friendship, the Bible says Jonathan “was grieved for David” (v 34). He warned him of his father’s plan and told him he should leave (v 41-42). David recognized what a good friend he had in Jonathan. The Bible says they wept together, “but David more so” (v 41). Their souls were “knit” together.

Do you have a loving friend you can count on in a crisis? You can and do, if you have the Friend of Sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 20:30-42.

Prayer

My Lord God, Thank You for the Friend of Sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.