After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. – 1 Samuel 18:1

Today’s Scripture Reading (March 4, 2019): 1 Samuel 18

C. S. Lewis in “The Four Loves” says that “Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .” There are many good friends in literature. It is hard to imagine Sherlock Holmes without a Dr. Watson. Holmes and Watson share an interest in the mysterious, even if they do approach the mystery differently. They also understand the different role that each plays in the endeavor that is “afoot.”

One of the great historical friendships is the one that exists between David and Jonathan. There are many similarities between the two men. Jonathan is a little older, maybe by about five years. Jonathan has already established himself in battle. And after the incident with Goliath, David had proven himself in combat. Both were bold men of action. Neither was likely to wait for someone else to move first. Jonathan had moved against the enemy with just his armor bearer while the rest of the army was relaxing in camp; David moved against Goliath while the rest of the military hid in fear. And both had a real relationship and a great trust in God.

But there were differences. Jonathan was the first born son of a king. David was the youngest son of a farmer. And while they probably didn’t realize it, both expected to be king. The throne was Jonathan’s by birth. As the oldest son of the reigning king, Jonathan was the heir apparent. Only his death or a rebellion could stop him from being king. But David had the anointing of Samuel and, more importantly, of God, and the assurance, although he had no understanding of how it might take place, that he would be the next king.

But none of the differences between Jonathan and David seemed able to tear them apart. They had come to understand that they were of one heart and one purpose. They came to trust each other and have faith in the actions that the other may take. And they came to realize that the trust they both had in God was more significant than any difference that might exist between them. And because of that realization, the two men loved each other until the last moments of their lives. Even after Jonathan was dead, David still remembered his friend. And David acted according to that friendship.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 19