Loyal to the End Even When Separated | 1 Samuel 20:35-42

Are you a loyal friend to the end?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity."

In yesterday's devotional, Jonathan worked on the plan, and now he has to communicate the bad news to David. Here's how it plays out in verses 35-42:

In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy. And he said to his boy, "Run and find the arrows that I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?" And Jonathan called after the boy, "Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!" So Jonathan's boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, "Go and carry them to the city." And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.'" And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. — 1 Samuel 20:35-42

I assume that although David and Jonathan have made a vow, David is cautious. If Jonathan signals that the coast is clear, David would be a little suspicious that King Saul is up to something, using Jonathan as a pawn. But that is not the case. The signal Jonathan sends is that David needs to run. So, from this point forward, David would be on the run for the next 12-15 years of his life.

But notice the affection between the two men. This is affectionate but not sexual and relatively normal for this time and in this culture. I have visited several other cultures worldwide where it is not unusual for men to hold hands while strolling down the street or to kiss on the cheeks (not on the lips) during a greeting or departure.

But do not be distracted by this cultural nuance unusual for us in North America and miss the heartfelt emotion and appreciation these men genuinely have for each other. They are heartbroken at this moment because they are a great duo. David and Jonathan are two epic duos in the Old Testament, and if Saul had not come between them, they would have built a powerful Old Testament legacy. But now they know that, given the circumstances, this will never be possible, and this is heartbreaking for them. It's a death blow to their souls because they know this is the last time they will ever interact like this for the rest of their lives. They only have the covenant vows they have made between their houses forever.

Reading this epilogue this week reminded me to cherish and invest in the relationships that God has given me while I have them. You should do the same. God has given you relationships that are present for only a season. During these times, you should invest in them, pour your soul into them, learn from them, make covenants together, and enjoy them. There will be a day when they will end, so make sure to make the most of them and be a loyal friend while you still have the time.

#LoyaltyInAdversity, #FaithfulFriendship, #BiblicalBonds

Ask This:

1. How can you invest in and strengthen the relationships God has given you, even when distance or adversity comes between you?
2. What does true loyalty in friendship look like in your life, and how can you demonstrate it to those you care about?

Do This:

Be a loyal friend.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to be a loyal and faithful friend, even when challenges threaten to separate us. May I cherish the relationships you've blessed me with and honor the commitments I’ve made, trusting you in every season. Amen.

Play This:

Loyal.