Suggested Friends: Jonathan
Part 2 of the “Suggested Friends” message series
Now it came about, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that Jonathan committed himself to David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. 2 And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt. 5 And David went into battle wherever Saul sent him, and always achieved success; so Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. – I Samuel 18:1-5 (NASB)
41 When the boy was gone, David got up from the south side, then he fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, until David wept immeasurably. 42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So David set out and went on his way, while Jonathan went into the city. – I Samuel 20:41-42 (NASB)
15 Now David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph, at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. 17 He said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second in command to you; and Saul my father knows that as well.” 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord; and David stayed at Horesh, while Jonathan went to his house. – I Samuel 23:15-18 (NASB)
The BIG Idea:
Jonathan had a strong faith in God and the heart of a warrior for his people. In David, Jonathan found a friend with the heart of a warrior, and it formed a strong bond between them. Jonathan became the type of friend who encouraged David and helped him to find spiritual strength in God. Through Jonathan, we learn the value of loyalty. If we desire to be a loyal friend like Jonathan, we must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, so we do not live with a “divided heart.”
“There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly.” – Philosopher Antisthenes the Cynic (445-365 BCE)
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” – Unknown
Jonathan had a strong faith in God and the heart of a warrior for his people.
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come, and let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; perhaps the Lord will work for us, because the Lord is not limited to saving by many or by few!” – I Samuel 14:6 (NASB)
When David had the courage to face Goliath, Jonathan found a friend with the heart of a warrior for his people, and it formed a strong bond between them.
Jonathan became the type of friend who encouraged David and helped him to find spiritual strength in God.
Jonathan stood by David, even when his father (Saul) turned against him.
Jonathan did not hide his loyalty to David.
What makes having a Jonathan so rare, and what makes it so hard for us to be a Jonathan to others?
True loyalty is proven, not proclaimed.
Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? – Proverbs 20:6 (NASB)
ILLUSTRATION: Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
“If I had the chance to live my life over, I’d do things a little different. I’d have more friends.” – Ty Cobb (1886-1961)
We demonstrate loyalty by how we act.
We demonstrate loyalty by what we say.
True friends share common values.
True friends love each other unselfishly.
True friends have deep loyalty to each other.
True friends are transparent with each other.
How do we strive to not be a disloyal person in modern society?
TRUTH: Disloyalty is born out of a DIVIDED HEART.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. – James 4:8-9 (NLT)
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He (God) cannot deny Himself. - II Timothy 2:13 (NASB)
A key sign of a “divided heart” is how we handle OFFENSE.
Offense disguises itself as passion and progress.
Offense is addictive.
Offense gives a false sense of fullness.
Offense clogs up the “life flow.”
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 (NASB)
Everyone needs a Jonathan. Every Jonathan needs a Jonathan.
Questions for Reflection
What makes having a Jonathan so rare, and what makes it so hard for us to be a Jonathan to others?
What are some of the things that you admire most about Jonathan’s story?
Have you ever listened to yourself speak? How ego-centered and me-focused is your conversation?
What does trust and loyalty mean to you?
Do you attempt to live your daily life as a “Lone Ranger?”
Do you have a “Jonathan” in your life?
Do you serve as a “Jonathan” in the life of another?
41 When the boy was gone, David got up from the south side, then he fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, until David wept immeasurably. 42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So David set out and went on his way, while Jonathan went into the city. – I Samuel 20:41-42 (NASB)
15 Now David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph, at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. 17 He said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second in command to you; and Saul my father knows that as well.” 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord; and David stayed at Horesh, while Jonathan went to his house. – I Samuel 23:15-18 (NASB)
The BIG Idea:
Jonathan had a strong faith in God and the heart of a warrior for his people. In David, Jonathan found a friend with the heart of a warrior, and it formed a strong bond between them. Jonathan became the type of friend who encouraged David and helped him to find spiritual strength in God. Through Jonathan, we learn the value of loyalty. If we desire to be a loyal friend like Jonathan, we must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, so we do not live with a “divided heart.”
“There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly.” – Philosopher Antisthenes the Cynic (445-365 BCE)
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” – Unknown
Jonathan had a strong faith in God and the heart of a warrior for his people.
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come, and let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; perhaps the Lord will work for us, because the Lord is not limited to saving by many or by few!” – I Samuel 14:6 (NASB)
When David had the courage to face Goliath, Jonathan found a friend with the heart of a warrior for his people, and it formed a strong bond between them.
Jonathan became the type of friend who encouraged David and helped him to find spiritual strength in God.
Jonathan stood by David, even when his father (Saul) turned against him.
Jonathan did not hide his loyalty to David.
What makes having a Jonathan so rare, and what makes it so hard for us to be a Jonathan to others?
True loyalty is proven, not proclaimed.
Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? – Proverbs 20:6 (NASB)
ILLUSTRATION: Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
“If I had the chance to live my life over, I’d do things a little different. I’d have more friends.” – Ty Cobb (1886-1961)
We demonstrate loyalty by how we act.
We demonstrate loyalty by what we say.
True friends share common values.
True friends love each other unselfishly.
True friends have deep loyalty to each other.
True friends are transparent with each other.
- Level one communication is cliché.
- Level two communication is fact level.
- Level three communication is opinion level.
- Level four communication is the emotional level.
- Level five communication is the transparent level.
How do we strive to not be a disloyal person in modern society?
TRUTH: Disloyalty is born out of a DIVIDED HEART.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. – James 4:8-9 (NLT)
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He (God) cannot deny Himself. - II Timothy 2:13 (NASB)
A key sign of a “divided heart” is how we handle OFFENSE.
Offense disguises itself as passion and progress.
Offense is addictive.
Offense gives a false sense of fullness.
Offense clogs up the “life flow.”
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 (NASB)
Everyone needs a Jonathan. Every Jonathan needs a Jonathan.
Questions for Reflection
What makes having a Jonathan so rare, and what makes it so hard for us to be a Jonathan to others?
What are some of the things that you admire most about Jonathan’s story?
Have you ever listened to yourself speak? How ego-centered and me-focused is your conversation?
What does trust and loyalty mean to you?
Do you attempt to live your daily life as a “Lone Ranger?”
Do you have a “Jonathan” in your life?
Do you serve as a “Jonathan” in the life of another?