A single great event signaled both the beginning of Jonathan and David’s friendship and their falling from love and favor in Saul’s eyes—David’s defeat of the giant Goliath.
Goliath had been mocking and challenging the army of Israel for forty days. to all who saw him, he seemed invincible—their worst nightmare! He stood well over nine feet tall and wore chest armor weighing about 125 pounds! His armor bearer could barely even carry his shield.
Yet this did not frighten or deter David. He willingly challenged this champion of the philistines, knowing that God would deliver him just as He had done from the bear and the lion. God was truly with David, and David knew that the Eternal would grant him victory over the man who defied the army of the living God.
Running straight toward him, David killed this mighty giant with nothing but a sling and a small stone. He then stood over Goliath, cut off his head and brought it before Saul, speaking to him in the presence of Jonathan. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled before the army of Israel, who then chased after them in victory.
David’s courage and bravery that day affected Jonathan deeply; he was moved to love him as much as his own life. He realized that they shared much in common in the areas of courage, bravery, strength, loyalty, trust and faith in God. From that day forward, they were the best of friends. Jonathan was moved to the point of giving David some of his treasured items: His robe, sword, bow and belt, and even his armor.
Jonathan and David’s bond was so strong that they promised to never let anything come between them. Yet, Saul, upon hearing the people praise David in singing, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands,” sought to kill David from that day forward.
However, Jonathan’s love for his friend only grew. Many times, he interceded for David, warning him that his father was seeking to take his life. Jonathan urged his father not to do this, saying, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been towards you very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice: wherefore then will you sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause” (I Sam. 19:4-5)?
Jonathan warned David and interceded for him so often that he put his own life in danger, one time narrowly escaping death at the hand of his father. He even risked his life by traveling a great distance to see David in hiding, knowing that his father surely had spies watching every move. And he did this knowing that David would ascend to the throne in his place. Understanding that he must decrease while David increased, he pledged to stand loyally beside him.
Think how easy it would have been for Jonathan to go along with his father’s plotting, giving in to carnal nature and lust for power. It would have been easy for him to fall into the same attitudes as Saul, to have a bitter state of mind, saying, “it’s not fair, God! Why should I be punished just because my father messed up?” instead, he not only accepted god’s decision, he became best friends with the man whom his own human nature would have considered his rival! In all of this, he showed great loyalty not only to David but also to God and his will. In a way, Jonathan showed loyalty to his father as well, preventing him from committing a terrible murder.
Yet, David also showed great loyalty to Saul and Jonathan. As many times as Jonathan and David were alone, it would have been very easy for David to give in to his human nature and kill a potential rival. Even when presented with the opportunity to sneak up on Saul (the very one trying to murder him) and kill him, David restrained himself. David well remembered the covenant made with his best friend, recalling the words Jonathan spoke:
“And you shall not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not: But also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever: no, not when the Lord has cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth” (I Sam. 20:14-15).
Even though David had been anointed king, he still showed great respect toward Jonathan—even to the point of bowing before him three times. So great was his love that, upon the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death, he composed a song of lamentation called the Song of the bow, and instructed that it be taught to the children of Judah. What a wonderful tribute to true friendship, when so many would have rejoiced at the death of rivals.
Even after the death of Jonathan, David kept his promise to show kindness to his friend. He searched out Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, and provided for him the rest of his life.
You Can Have This Kind of Friendship!
Much can be learned from the friendship of Jonathan and David. They were both princes of Israel, one by birth, the other by marriage. They were both in line to assume the throne of Israel. Both were mighty men of valor, and were respected and trusted by the men they led in battle. Each had accomplished great feats, relying on God for victory. They were zealous, driven, resourceful, courageous, bold, meek, humble, and so much more. They knew and respected government, wielded authority and zealously served those under and over them. They were loyal to one another and to their king.
They could have been enemies and rivals, yet they set aside jealousy, resentment, bitterness, competition and lust for power, choosing instead to become the closest of friends. They knew how and when to laugh together, cry and show their emotions together, sharing hopes and dreams, thereby cementing their friendship forever. They were real men, able to show the true, proper and right love of a brotherly friendship, willing to lay down their lives for one another. So great was their friendship that at one of their partings, “they kissed one another, and wept one with another, but David more so” (I Sam. 20:41; NKJV).
How rare this kind of friendship is in the world today!
Yet, you can have this kind of friendship with God and Christ. Recall Christ’s words to his disciples: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13-15).
The record of David and Jonathan’s friendship has been preserved in the Bible for our benefit. It pictures the close relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. they desire that same close, personal relationship with every human being. Jonathan and David’s friendship is a lasting legacy.
When David sees Jonathan come up in the resurrection, it will be just like the last day they saw each other, and they will continue to enjoy a friendship that will last for eternity. You can develop that kind of friendship with God and Christ, and with all others of like mind, who share the same goals, hopes and dreams.
Is F.ET.T.S ?
Pastor Williams
you can contact me @ wwilliams@rockbrookumc.com
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Advent Christmas
at ROCKbrook
United Methodist Church
ADVENT / CHRISTMAS SERIES:
Questions and Answers at Christmas
Pastor Williams preaching / teaching at all services
December 2nd “Why Am I Here?”
I have heard many young adults and yes, older adults ask what is their purpose in life and how do they find it. This Advent season, we will explore the gift of finding meaning and purpose in your life.
December 9th “How Do I Overcome This Lonely Feeling?”
Christmas is supposed to be filled with cheer, joy and celebration, but many celebrate alone and even if you are with others, many still feel alone. We will explore, how you can overcome.
December 16th 8:30 service “Why is Life Hard?”
Life is hard, hard for us all. For some, it is a better harder which causes us to as the question more often and louder. Join us as we open the question, “Why is Life Hard and search for the answer. You could be surprised.
10:30 services: Our Children at worship.
Join us as we hear and experience the Christmas story through the “acting and singing of children. They will inspire you to live out the Christmas Spirit and remind us again of the birth of Christ in the world and your life. Join us for your annual Ad vent Dinner following our worship celebration
December 23rd “How Can I Find that One Special Relationship?”
Join us as we explore the question; is there really someone for me?
December 24th “Only One Day a Year?”
Service time: A Service of Carols and Lights 3:00 pm and 7: 00pm
At our 3:00 pm service, the Omaha Brass Quintet will be our special musical guest.
At the 7 00 pm service ROCKbrook’s Chancel Choir will lead us in singing as we hear the Biblical story of the Birth of Christ.
With the pageantry and excitement of Christmas, we soon realize that the day after Christmas is next. What do we do? How do we feel? How can I keep that Christmas spirit alive in the world? How can I keep that Christmas spirit alive in me? Join us as we find out how to open The Gift of Christmas year round.
Peace and Grace
Pastor William
wwilliams@rockbrookumc.com to share your comments
at ROCKbrook
United Methodist Church
ADVENT / CHRISTMAS SERIES:
Questions and Answers at Christmas
Pastor Williams preaching / teaching at all services
December 2nd “Why Am I Here?”
I have heard many young adults and yes, older adults ask what is their purpose in life and how do they find it. This Advent season, we will explore the gift of finding meaning and purpose in your life.
December 9th “How Do I Overcome This Lonely Feeling?”
Christmas is supposed to be filled with cheer, joy and celebration, but many celebrate alone and even if you are with others, many still feel alone. We will explore, how you can overcome.
December 16th 8:30 service “Why is Life Hard?”
Life is hard, hard for us all. For some, it is a better harder which causes us to as the question more often and louder. Join us as we open the question, “Why is Life Hard and search for the answer. You could be surprised.
10:30 services: Our Children at worship.
Join us as we hear and experience the Christmas story through the “acting and singing of children. They will inspire you to live out the Christmas Spirit and remind us again of the birth of Christ in the world and your life. Join us for your annual Ad vent Dinner following our worship celebration
December 23rd “How Can I Find that One Special Relationship?”
Join us as we explore the question; is there really someone for me?
December 24th “Only One Day a Year?”
Service time: A Service of Carols and Lights 3:00 pm and 7: 00pm
At our 3:00 pm service, the Omaha Brass Quintet will be our special musical guest.
At the 7 00 pm service ROCKbrook’s Chancel Choir will lead us in singing as we hear the Biblical story of the Birth of Christ.
With the pageantry and excitement of Christmas, we soon realize that the day after Christmas is next. What do we do? How do we feel? How can I keep that Christmas spirit alive in the world? How can I keep that Christmas spirit alive in me? Join us as we find out how to open The Gift of Christmas year round.
Peace and Grace
Pastor William
wwilliams@rockbrookumc.com to share your comments
A Lesson from William, III
A Lesson from William, III
Read: Psalm 107:1-19
They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses -- Psalm 107:19
It was Wednesday, and it was grocery day! It was the day that I stayed at home with our 3 small children while Idalene went to the grocery store. Idalene didn't go to get just a few things we needed! It was her major grocery shopping day.
There were times when we braved that day and all 5 of us went shopping together. But, those days often turned into adventures with all kinds of cereals and highly sugared snacks finding the way into our 2 carts. Why 2 carts? Because all our children wanted to ride. I guess it made it easier for them to access all the items they wanted--especially the cereals with the "free gifts."
Anyway, on this particular Wednesday, I was the stay-at-home dad while Idalene went grocery shopping.
Upon her return from the Winn Dixie store in Lubbock, Texas, she honked the horn, and we all ran out the door to help her bring in 100 sacks of food and other items. Okay, maybe it wasn't a hundred sacks, but it seemed like it.
We all pitched in to do our share. William, III was about 7 years old, Jamise was 6 years old, and Jenna was 3 years old. Each child carried a sack that was appropriate for his or her age and size. Each child wanted to take part in helping us.
All was going well until William, III decided he wanted to carry the sacks filled with canned goods, a gallon of milk and other heavy items. These were the sacks that I usually carried in, but William, III wanted to help me and show off his muscles and impress me.
He reached to pick up an extra heavy sack, and I said, "Sport, I will carry that one. It is real heavy." To which, he replied, "Dad, I can carry it. I have strong muscles," and he proceeded to show me his "strong" muscles.
I consented, giving him the go ahead to carry the heavy sack. I watched him as he stooped over to pick up the sack. He strained. He groaned. He really struggled with it, but he picked up the sack and took a few steps. Then, I could see his little arms begin to struggle, and he could not move. His eyes got bigger, as the sack began to slip from his small but willing arms. With his voice straining, he looked up at me and said, "Dad, this is too heavy, will you help me?"
I reached down to help him with the sack, and I helped him carry the sack into the kitchen. After the sack was securely placed on the counter, he proudly looked at me and said, "Dad, sometimes, I just need a little help!"
What a great story of faith! There are times in our lives when we carry heavy burdens or sacks. Most of the time, we can carry them by ourselves, but often we try our hardest to carry heavy burdens or work out difficult problems with no success.
After having done our best, we wonder why we have met with failure. Lovingly and patiently, our God reminds us that we must learn to depend on Him. We must call upon God for help when the sacks of life get too heavy!
Let's stop struggling to carry the sacks of trouble and difficulty in our lives that far exceed our own strength.
Like the Israelites of old, let's call on the Lord to save us from our distresses. Psalm 107:19
Do you remember this song?
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
Peace and Grace
Pastor William
Read: Psalm 107:1-19
They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses -- Psalm 107:19
It was Wednesday, and it was grocery day! It was the day that I stayed at home with our 3 small children while Idalene went to the grocery store. Idalene didn't go to get just a few things we needed! It was her major grocery shopping day.
There were times when we braved that day and all 5 of us went shopping together. But, those days often turned into adventures with all kinds of cereals and highly sugared snacks finding the way into our 2 carts. Why 2 carts? Because all our children wanted to ride. I guess it made it easier for them to access all the items they wanted--especially the cereals with the "free gifts."
Anyway, on this particular Wednesday, I was the stay-at-home dad while Idalene went grocery shopping.
Upon her return from the Winn Dixie store in Lubbock, Texas, she honked the horn, and we all ran out the door to help her bring in 100 sacks of food and other items. Okay, maybe it wasn't a hundred sacks, but it seemed like it.
We all pitched in to do our share. William, III was about 7 years old, Jamise was 6 years old, and Jenna was 3 years old. Each child carried a sack that was appropriate for his or her age and size. Each child wanted to take part in helping us.
All was going well until William, III decided he wanted to carry the sacks filled with canned goods, a gallon of milk and other heavy items. These were the sacks that I usually carried in, but William, III wanted to help me and show off his muscles and impress me.
He reached to pick up an extra heavy sack, and I said, "Sport, I will carry that one. It is real heavy." To which, he replied, "Dad, I can carry it. I have strong muscles," and he proceeded to show me his "strong" muscles.
I consented, giving him the go ahead to carry the heavy sack. I watched him as he stooped over to pick up the sack. He strained. He groaned. He really struggled with it, but he picked up the sack and took a few steps. Then, I could see his little arms begin to struggle, and he could not move. His eyes got bigger, as the sack began to slip from his small but willing arms. With his voice straining, he looked up at me and said, "Dad, this is too heavy, will you help me?"
I reached down to help him with the sack, and I helped him carry the sack into the kitchen. After the sack was securely placed on the counter, he proudly looked at me and said, "Dad, sometimes, I just need a little help!"
What a great story of faith! There are times in our lives when we carry heavy burdens or sacks. Most of the time, we can carry them by ourselves, but often we try our hardest to carry heavy burdens or work out difficult problems with no success.
After having done our best, we wonder why we have met with failure. Lovingly and patiently, our God reminds us that we must learn to depend on Him. We must call upon God for help when the sacks of life get too heavy!
Let's stop struggling to carry the sacks of trouble and difficulty in our lives that far exceed our own strength.
Like the Israelites of old, let's call on the Lord to save us from our distresses. Psalm 107:19
Do you remember this song?
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
Peace and Grace
Pastor William
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