The days ahead will provide opportunities for you to enter into your fellow brothers’ sorrows…be the Jonathan they need, that you can look back on your life and be satisfied that fear did not impede you, at least with respect to your friendships.

A couple of years ago, our pastor preached through the book of 1 Samuel. Among several “take-homes” from that series, one point stood out in particular related to David and Jonathan. A lot of us recognize David’s and Jonathan’s relationship as one of the best biblical examples of friendship in the Bible. Reading from 1 Samuel, we see even the lengths their friendship would go such as Jonathan supporting David no matter what, even against his own father.

From 1 Samuel 23:15-18:

David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

Jonathan tells David that even though his own father wanted to find David (and destroy him), Jonathan would play no part in selling him out. He would not support his father in this search for David.

Further, in royal families, typically the firstborn will ascend the throne after the reigning parent dies. Thus, it could have been expected on Jonathan’s part to be the heir to the throne of Israel after his father Saul. However, Jonathan’s eyes were not fixed upon the throne in Israel but upon the throne in heaven. Instead of lusting after power and might, Jonathan said his place as prince of Israel was at David’s side knowing it was the will of the Lord to make David king.

Jonathan forsook family relations, even a role that could be rightfully argued as his, to support and strengthen his friendship with David. And even if it would cost Jonathan his life—I doubt Saul would be too happy knowing his own son was helping David again (see 1 Sam 20)—Jonathan went to help and bless David in the middle of very difficult times of his life.

Men, how good are you at supporting your fellow brothers in their lives? It can be tricky stepping into another brother’s life and entering into their hardship, sadness, or sorrow. We usually are not the most emotional creatures, so whether we are either trying to be there for one another or to receive that care, it can be awkward.

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