A Righteous Friend - What a True Friend will do…

Have you heard the phrase “speaking truth to power”? It means having the courage to stand up for what you believe is true, even against leaders or authority figures. For Christians, it is the ability to SPEAK WHAT GOD’S WORD says is true. This concept is about not ignoring wrongs when you have the power to make a difference. Sometimes, it may be as simple as praying and watching God work. Other times, it may urge you to take action and speak out. The Bible is filled with people compelled to speak truth to authority.  

This fearless warrior, as I will refer to him, Jonathan, cannot turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. He will not bury his head in the sand like an ostrich when he sees injustice. Instead, he stands tall. Jonathan was a true friend to David. Although it was thought to be a natural progression for Jonathan to succeed his father as king, he understood that God had a different plan.

There will be times in your life when you cannot remain silent while injustices occur around you. Like David, Jonathan faced moments when he had to speak truth to power—when he needed to be as bold as a lion and not retreat in fear. Today, we will focus on Jonathan’s significant moments.

Why do I specifically refer to them as moments? Certain moments in life hold profound significance. These moments shape our purpose and destiny. They challenge us to do the right thing, even when it hurts.

The moment when Johnathan was able to speak truth to power came, power being his father, King Saul. King Saul had tried and failed to kill David twice before finally ordering Johnathan to kill his best friend, David. Instead, Johnathan chose to protect David.  

I. Samuel 19:4-5, Johnathan says, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.  He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

Saul promises not to kill David after this conversation; however, his unstable heart said otherwise.

Recall the event following Jonathan’s first confrontation when King Saul attempted to pin David to the wall with his spear while he was playing music to soothe Saul’s troubled spirit. 1 Samuel 19:9-11 describes how an evil spirit sent from the Lord came over Saul while he was at home with a spear. As David played the lyre, Saul tried to strike him with the spear, aiming to pin him to the wall. David successfully avoided the attack, and Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night, David managed to escape. Saul then sent men to watch David’s house and kill him in the morning. Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, you’ll be killed tomorrow.”

This marked the beginning of a season when David would run from Saul like a hunted animal. There was yet another moment, which I would call significant, when Jonathan again spoke the truth. David was expected to be seated at King Saul’s table for the New Moon festival, and Jonathan attempted to cover for his friend. Saul, realizing that his son was covering for David, became furious.   

King Saul said, “You are the son of a rebellious woman! I know that you have sided with David. It is a shame to your mother. Don’t you understand? You will never become the next king as long as David is alive. Your kingdom will never be established. HE MUST DIE!”

(I Samuel 20:30 paraphrase) Johnathan was not concerned about becoming the next king; he understood it was not God’s will. He recognized that it was all about fulfilling God’s purpose. In 1 Samuel 23:17, Jonathan states that both he and Saul were aware that David would become king: Thus he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.”

THE MOMENT: THE RIGHTEOUS ARE AS BOLD AS A LION.   

“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father.” But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David. (I Samuel 20:32)

Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.

Righteous anger is a deep emotional response that emerges from grief over sin, particularly when we witness actions that offend God or contradict His Word. It’s essential to recognize the distinction between righteous and unrighteous anger. Righteous anger is characterized not by a desire to lash out at the individual who has sinned but rather by a commitment to confront and address the wrongdoing. This type of anger is rooted in compassion and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, motivating us to engage constructively and seek out meaningful solutions to the issues at hand.

One of the most well-known examples of righteous anger in the Bible is when Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and merchants in the temple courts. (Matthew 21:12-13) Similarly, the Old Testament leader Nehemiah displayed righteous anger when he learned that Jewish nobles and officials were exploiting the poor. In Nehemiah 5:6-7, Nehemiah was furious upon discovering this injustice.

It’s natural to feel anger at times, but it’s important to manage that anger constructively. Remember, while it’s okay to acknowledge your feelings, let not your anger lead you to sin. Do not allow a day to pass without addressing your feelings; don’t let the sun set while you still harbor resentment or frustration.

Take the time to reflect on what is causing your anger. Pray about it, seeking clarity and guidance. Furthermore, consider how to take proactive steps to contribute positively to the situation. Strive to actively participate in finding solutions to the problems that trouble you rather than allowing anger to consume you. Embrace the opportunity to turn your frustration into a catalyst for positive change.

TRUE FRIENDSHIP

In their friendship, Jonathan risks everything by supporting David’s claim to the throne, defying family expectations and personal ambition. Together, they make a pact to protect and care for each other. Should anything happen to Jonathan, David promises to honor his descendants out of deep love. This promise leads David to invite one of Jonathan’s sons to the king’s table, demonstrating his commitment during a time when remembering the past could have been dangerous.

Love transcends barriers and encourages us to set aside selfish concerns. Their friendship exemplifies how two individuals can uplift and support one another.

Today’s blog post serves as a reminder to commit to doing what is right, regardless of the personal cost. The desire to fit in or be accepted should never be the primary factor influencing your decisions. The Bible speaks about selfish ambition, indicating that those who are driven by it seek their own interests rather than the interests of Christ (Philippians 2:21). When I see my friend hurting because of a proud and arrogant personality, similar to that of Saul, I cannot simply look away. People matter to God, and when you have God’s heart, you cannot act as though their pain does not exist. Do something.