Updated Thursday, May 08, 2008

Bible Studies for Life Lesson for May 18: Be Trustworthy

By Catherine Painter

Focal Passages: 1 Sam. 18:1-4; 20:10-13, 16-17

I love funeral services during which pastors customize their eulogies to fit deceased individuals' lives. My pastor husband, Jack, can make heaven sound so wonderful that I almost want to "crawl in and go too."

One particular eulogy sticks in my memory. Jack described a beloved friend, saying, "He was so devoted to Christ, the church, and his pastor that I could trust him to carry my own soul with him to heaven."

Scripture records the beautiful friendship between Jonathan, crown prince of Israel, and David, the shepherd boy who slew Goliath. The Bible says, "The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Sam. 18:1, KJV).

Before David killed Goliath, Jonathan was the most popular man in Israel and next in line for his father's throne. However, the people's cheers for David's military victories soon eclipsed Jonathan's popularity, causing King Saul to eye David with insane jealousy. First Samuel 18-20 records numerous occasions when Saul plotted to kill David. Each time Jonathan thwarted Saul's efforts and designed an escape for David.

Finally, hiding like a fugitive to avoid Saul's wrath, David began to lose faith in himself and God. Jonathan sought David at midnight, saying, "Don't be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I'll be your second-in-command. Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord's presence" (1 Sam. 23:16-18, HCSB).

The test of any friendship is whether it strengthens one's hand in God. Do you have a friend whose hand you can strengthen? Your letter, visit, or prayers could mean the world to someone today.

Has a friend strengthened your hand in God recently? Has anyone loved you enough to give up a throne for you? The answer is "yes," for Jesus left His throne to come to earth, seeking you.

Jonathan sealed his covenant by giving David his garment, sword, and belt (1 Sam. 18:3-4). Christ sealed His covenant with you with His blood. He comes during the midnights of your soul to strengthen your hand in God, whispering, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1, KJV).

Have you made your covenant with Christ in return?