"The Life of David": 5 A Friend in Need

Focus Passage: 1 Sam 20

From the beginning of time, God said that it was not good for man to be alone. Everyone needs a friend. The picture of hopelessness is a man or woman sitting by themselves with their heads in their hands and no one who cares. When life seems to fall apart, we need someone who we can come to so that they can support us. After the great triumphs in David’s life, his world seems to be falling apart. The king had made him a son in law, but now seems to want to destroy David. He had fled to the safety of being with Samuel, but he yearns to be with his friend and mentor Jonathan. Their friendship stands out as a model of what true friendship can be among the people of God. We all need a friend and Jonathan shows us what a true friend can do for you. 

• A friend is someone you can talk to v. 1 David is confused and comes to Jonathan with questions. He senses that his life is in danger and he does not want to go through that danger alone. He wants honest answers that will help him see what he has done to make Saul turn against him so greatly. He comes to Jonathan so that he can talk though what is happening in his life and plan a course of action that will help him navigate the future and find answers to the difficulties that he faces.

• A friend is someone who will help v. 4. David needs someone who will stick out their neck for him. Their friendship puts Jonathan in a difficult position. This clash is between his friend and his father. David is asking Jonathan to help him even if that causes problems between Jonathan and his father, Saul. Jonathan proposes a test that will show the true feelings of Saul and whether David really is in danger. After the test, David and Jonathan will know where they stand with Saul. They will know how Saul feels about their relationship and their future. 

• A friend is someone who believes in you. v.16 Many people would have abandoned David in the face of his rejection by the king. Jonathan makes a pledge to David to stand beside him. Jonathan believes that the hand of God is with David and that those who oppose David also oppose God. It is a brave confession for a man who stands to lose his throne if David prevails. Yet, Jonathan believes in his friend and will later ask David to stand by him when David ascends to the throne. Jonathan can see what Saul has missed. This is God’s man who will triumph by God’s power. 

God did not mean for man or woman to be alone. He provides family, church friends and the neighbor next door. All of us will face disasters where we could use a friend. Those who are wise will seek out friends whom they can trust before they are desperate. They will find people who bring joy and happiness to their lives and who they can lean on in those trying times. They will also, like Jonathan, make time for the person who comes to them with their struggles and be willing to listen to them and encourage them so that they can overcome the trials of life. Blessed are those who have a group of friends that they meet with regularly. Such friendships can help us weather a storm together that would destroy any person who tries to handle it alone.