Band brothers

I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between Jonathan and David. The moment those two met, they were knitted together (1 Samuel 18:1). You often hear pastors and guidance counselors advise you to take relationships a step at a time; never be "swept off your feet"; save yourself; take things slow. But how could Jonathan and David be so connected to what seems so immediately?

Every time I meet with one of my closest friends, he always asks me 'Are you right with the Lord?' I think the answer to that question reflects the spiritual condition of my heart and whether or not my heart is rightfully abandoned for Jesus. In my honest confession, there are times where I make decisions and go about my day not after God's heart but my own. The snippet from 1 Samuel 18 that paints the beautiful relationship between two friends is breathtaking. I truly believe that the condition of both their hearts, preceding their encounter to one another, is one that was completely for the Lord. Is it possible that I can share in such a relationship? I believe so... If myself and [whoever] are right with the Lord first.

Despite the knitted relationship Jonathan and David had, I wonder if they ever felt alone? What happens when your close friends radically mature, obtain promotions, or do amazingly well in life compared to you? Often, I find myself jealous, left out, or alone. What happened when David was anointed King and Jonathan wasn't? Jonathan continued to encourage David (1 Samuel 23:17). Even when he got nothing, he still encouraged. Even though he didn't get promoted, he continued to uplift David. His focus wasn't on the situation, it was on the bigger picture of Kingdom advancement. Somehow, what we perceive as 'being left out', Jonathan saw it as a participatory invitation from God. I have not been an encouragement or support to my brothers and sisters that have needed it lately. My own perceptions and diagnoses of their needs has led me to sulk only in my own selfishness. I need to abandon my 'self' daily and I need Christ's blood to pump through my veins each and every day. There's obviously many ways to do this. But I really need to go after God's heart and allow Him to knit me into relationships with those that can encourage and move me towards my destiny.