Monday, December 17, 2018

Spiritual Formation (Spiritual Friendship part 4)

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…[T]he soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.  Saul took [David] that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.  Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. (Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1 Samuel 18:1-3)[1]


             Some of us have had an unexplainable connection to another person, and for such a link we have terms like kindred spirit.  Although I dislike writing in the first person, I feel the need to break into this subject with a personal story.  Years ago, I was part of a group and within that group we were all assigned a spiritual mentor.  For some reason, I did not connect with my assigned mentor and I don’t mean to suggest anything negative about the guy.  Simply put, we didn’t connect; however, there was another leader within that group, and I did connect with him.  Years later at Bible College, because of my program, I had several classes with two professors, both of whom I liked. However, again, one I had an authentic connection with.  That connection has become a friendship and is still a vital part of my spiritual walk today.


             We as humans have tried to map out what makes us individuals, for example many of you may have taken the Myers-Briggs personality test and come to find out you’re more of an introvert than an extrovert.  Perhaps it’s helpful to understand that about yourself; however, that doesn’t mean your best friend or spouse will also be an introvert.  There is something of a mystery regarding human attraction and the same can be said about spiritual connections.


             This connection existed between David and Jonathan.  Since Jonathan was the son of King Saul, he came from power and some level of wealth.  David on the other hand was a shepherd and the son of a shepherd.  It’s implied that he didn’t even have a sword when he defended his flock against predators (1 Sam. 17:34-36).  Therefore, Jonathan was willing to give his sword, bow, belt and nice clothing to David (1 Sam. 18:4).  Also, after God had chosen to take the Kingship away from the house of Saul and give it to David, Jonathan remained loyal to David, despite him losing his place as the next in line for the throne (1 Sam. 23:18).  Spiritual friendship may extend to an ethereal concept; however, it is grounded in the real world, where you may need to meet their needs or put them before yourself.




Written by Pastor Ozzy



[1] There is no explicit reason to think that David and Jonathan had any kind of homosexual relationship.  Moreover, there is no implicit reason to think that either when a person considers their ancient near eastern setting (The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith, note 1 Sam. 18:1-4).


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Works Cited


Cabal, Ted, Chad Owen Brand, E. Ray Clendenen, Paul Copan, J.P. Moreland, and Doug Powell. 2007. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
1995. Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. LaHabra: The Lockman Foundation.


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