IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN

 "Bound Together in Close Friendship"

The battle was over, quiet descended over the valley of Elah. As  the tents of the army encampment rustled in the afternoon breeze, King Saul held an audience.  His eldest son, Jonathan, was in attendance, and a youthful shepherd was excitedly recounting his tale.  The youth was David, and he was full  of zeal and enthusiasm. Saul listened with rapt  attention hanging  on to David's every word. How, though, did Jonathan feel?  He had won victories  in his long career of serving in Jehovah's army. But today's victory did  not belong to Jonathan; it belonged to his youth.  David had killed the giant Goliath! Was Jonathan  jealous of the glory being heaped on David?

Jonathan's reaction might surprise  you. We read: "As soon as David had finished speaking to Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship, and Jonathan began to love him as himself."  Jonathan gave David his own fighting gear; including his bow-quite a gift, for Jonathan was a well-known archer.  What is more, Jonathan and David made a covenant, a solemn agreement, that bound them together as friends who would support each other." - 1 SAMUEL 18:1-5. 

Thus began one of the greatest friendships described in the Bible.  Friendship is more important to people of faith.  If we chose friends wisely and become supportive, loyal friend, we can strengthen our faith during these unloving times. (Proverbs 27:17)   So let us see what we can learn about friendship from Jonathan.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN- The Foundation of Friendship

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