April 24, 2018

He was a good friend, and his death hit me hard. As a young pastor, he had often prayed with me, and modeled a passion for prayer and compassion for the lost. Shortly after we moved, we learned of his death. Few things have been as difficult as mourning his loss.

The deep friendship of David and Jonathan was legendary. The son of King Saul, David's sworn enemy, Jonathan risked death at the hands of his own father because of this friendship. And then one day in battle, Jonathan, his brothers, and his father, King Saul, were all tragically killed in battle. David lamented the loss of his dear friend.

"I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful Than the love of women." (2 Samuel 1.26)

Theirs was a deep and pure devotion and love. Commentators are in agreement that there is not the slightest hint that David and Jonathan expressed their love in a sexual way. They had a bond of friendship and partnership in serving their God.

Proverbs 18.24 says, "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Many casual friendships do not always work for our best good, but that one special friend who is with us through thick or thin is a blessing beyond measure.

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12.10 ESV)

Invest in a special friendship today for your good, and the good of your friend.

Steve Taylor, 2018

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