Friendship

"Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself... Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt." 1 Samuel 18.1, 3-4

David has slain the giant, and become part of Saul's staff, and during this time found his best friend. Let me say from the beginning that the relationship between David and Jonathan was not homosexual. The language used and the cultural mannerisms described do not imply that in any way. What we see here at the beginning of 1 Samuel 18 is the close relationship of brothers, willing to bleed together, and if need be, die for one another.

Jonathan makes a covenant with David, and as a symbol of the covenant gives David his robe, his armor, and his weapons. The two are bound together in an eternal bond of friendship. Jonathan gives David the means he has of protecting himself, his armor and weapons, in order that David might be safe in battle. He cares for David's life as his own, and will risk his to keep David safe.

Men, do you have a friend like that? Is there someone, aside from your wife and children, that you are willing to risk your life for? Do you have a close friendship? Most men don't. Friendships like this are rare because they involve risk and vulnerability. They involve sacrifice. Many en aren't willing to do those things. Many men go it alone, refusing to ask for help, and refusing to accept help that is offered.

Clearly this is not something that we will have with everyone. There are men I trust, and men I don't. There are men I will open my heart to and share the deep things with, and men I avoid making small talk with. There are men I know have my back, and men that I would never consider going into a fight with. There are men I would bleed with and even be willing to die for, and those that I wouldn't.

This is not a common, empty thing. This is a friendship that takes place between a few individuals who are willing to sacrifice for each other, and it is a rare thing.

Let us be men with at least one close friend.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor