READING: 1 Samuel 20-23, Luke 20:1-26
I don’t know if I can put into words my gratitude for Christian friends the Lord has sent across my path. Sometimes they’ve made the difference between my wanting to give up and my decision to keep pressing on. Reading today’s story of David and Jonathan always reminds me of these kinds of friends.
As Saul pursued David in his jealousy, Jonathan became a brother, friend, confidant, and support for David. In fact, look at the various ways different versions of the Bible translate 1 Samuel 23:16 –
- “Then Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God” (CSB)
- “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.” (ESV)
- “And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” (NIV)
- “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.” (NASB)
Echoing throughout these texts are the unique gifts of encouragement and strengthening we uniquely find when a brother or sister in Christ stands with us in the most difficult circumstances. May God (1) grant us such friends and (2) help us be that kind of friend to someone.
PRAYER: “Lord, I want to be that kind of godly friend for someone.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Encourage someone today. Make a phone call. Send an email. Be used of God to strengthen somebody in Him.
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 24-26, Luke 20:27-21:19
