FRIEND AND MENTOR

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

What are you willing to risk for your friend? Is it your reputation, your comfort, or possibly your future?  

Proverbs 17:7 “A friend loves at all times.”

Do you have a friend or Mentor who is willing to encourage you and draw you closer to God?

King Saul was Israel’s first king and even though he is a major part of Israel’s history and we could study his wrong choices, instead we will study the character of his son Jonathan. 

What was the difference between this father and son?

Saul did not possess a solid foundation of godly character and respect for the Word of God. Due to this weakness in his character and leadership he was unstable and unsuccessful. When Saul made mistakes and failed in his leadership he gave excuses instead of confessing and repenting from his heart to God. This destroyed his reign and eventually his life. He commits suicide on the battlefield revealing the absence of God in his life.

On the other hand, Jonathan had a strong belief in the power of God and truly believed in the His sovereignty over all things. My favorite Scripture to reveal Jonathan's faith is found in First Samuel. 

1 Samuel 14:6

“Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or a few.”

Jonathan is a true friend and Mentor to David. Jonathan was positive, encouraging and accepting of God’s plan for his life and the life of David’s.  He strongly believed God was able to rescue, protect and fight for him and the people of God. He was obedient and willing to risk his life for his friend David. Jonathan recognized God’s plan for David to be king. Although, he was in line to be the next king of Israel, Jonathan acknowledged and accepted God’s anointing on David.

Psalm 16:6 “The boundary lines You[God] have set for me are in pleasant places.”

Jonathan did not agree with his father but still loved him and defended the Israelites on the battlefield with him.

It was Jonathan’s relationship with God that gave him the strength and wisdom

to live his life for his godly friend, David, with loyalty and brave character.

David was divinely selected to be the next King but God also provided a loyal and honest friend and Mentor to walk along side him in his young age.

Only God could place together a Prince and Military leader with a lowly shepherd boy for a strong example of a godly friendship.

APPLICATION:

Who has God called you to be a godly friend and Mentor to today?

Are you willing to answer the call?

Be encouraged. God will use you in a mighty way to make a difference in someone’s life if you are a willing vessel for Him to fill and use to His glory.

Pray and seek the Lord today. Be obedient to the call of God to be a Mentor to others and receive the blessing of a lifetime.