Today’s Tasting: 1 Samuel 18–20: In today’s reading, we learn about the bond that develops between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. We also discover that Saul is a jealous king and, despite David’s loyalty to him, Saul turns against him when he begins to feel threatened by David’s success on the battlefield. However, despite Saul’s plotting to kill David, Jonathan remains a loyal friend by telling David what his father was planning and helping David escape to safety.
Today’s Nourishment: While I was reading this passage, I couldn’t help but think about friends in my life who remained loyal despite the cost associated with that loyalty. Jesus is a friend like that to us, even paying the ultimate price for that loyalty. He isn’t one of those “fair weather friends” who can’t be found when it’s time to move or when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you need a ride. Jesus is the friend that is there with you through the good times and the bad times. He doesn’t get jealous when you find successes. Like a true friend, he is as happy for your success as you are. His friendship isn’t based on how much money you make, or your social status, or what you can do for Him—it’s based on love: His true and unconditional love.
Although none of us can love as unconditionally as Jesus does, we can strive to remember what Jesus said in Mark 12:31: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” and be loyal to our friends like Jonathan was to David.
Tomorrow’s Delight: 1 Samuel 21–24
Monica
https://www.facebook.com/wholelottasomethin
Thanks Monica, loyalty to family and friends is a trait that is a characteristic of Christ. For some of us, loyalty comes natural. For others, loyalty needs developing. In order to have friends, we must be a friend. I want to personally challenge each of us to contact a friend today and find out how they are doing. When you make your connection, return to the Bible Feast Blog and just say, “I connected with my friend.”
I’m reading this blog a few days later and it’s ironic, Carolyn, that you encouraged us to connect with a friend because I did with several friends just yesterday. Jesus is all about love and unconditional love and loyalty at best. I desire to be that friend and I’m thankful for the true and Godly friends God has placed in my life.