https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/15/friends-for-life
The love that Jonathan had for David, as revealed in the pages of the book of First Samuel, is legendary. Despite him being the heir to Saul’s crown, Jonathan supported and protected David for the latter to ascend into the throne. In 1 Samuel 20: 26-34, we can see how Jonathan spoke for and protected David and, as a result, was nearly killed by Saul. Jonathan’s dedication and faithfulness to David are amazing as most heirs would have joined in with their father king’s plan to eliminate any rival to the throne so that the throne is preserved within the family. In fact, after Saul, most if not all of the kings of Israel and Judah were passed down from fathers to sons. Saul was the exception as the LORD saw it fit to break the cycle and passed on the throne to David, who lived to rule as the greatest king Israel ever had! A line that even our Lord Jesus Christ is proud of!
After Jonathan passed away, David remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to him by taking care of Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9), giving him a permanent place at his table and restoring to him the lands and servants of his family although Mephibosheth’s grandfather, Saul had tried to kill him numerous times in the past.
I believe the message today is that we must all develop close friendships with others, particularly spiritual relationships that will help us be accountable to one another and to spur us on in our walk with God. Everyone should, at the minimum, have a David-Jonathan type relationship. It can also be like that of Paul and Barnabas before their disagreement or the Paul-Timothy type relationship. Besides other close friends, we should have a close friend to just explore the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, to expound on the Word, and to stir up our spiritual journey and service in Christ. One who will stand with us through the thick and thin of life as we both give our lives to God for His glory. There is much to be achieved in the Kingdom, and two is always better than one!
Ronnie's Thoughts 