Influence of God's GlorySample

Friends and Enemies

Historians, psychiatrists, and theologians have speculated about the mental and spiritual decline of King Saul. He was born a farmer, reluctantly became a king, and later fought for his royal position with a manic and sinful resolve. Saul was at times godly, at other times evil. Saul was angry and jealous, then submissive and repentant. By the end of his life, Saul was irrationally consumed with his desire for the death of David. Jewish tradition states that David ran from Saul for about a year while other sources estimate the number was closer to seven years. Scripture doesn’t say, but what is known is that Saul relentlessly pursued David with the intention of taking his life.

Psalm 109 is about the years David spent hiding from Saul. David wrote, “For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate and attack me without cause. In return for my love, they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love” (Psalm 109:2–5). Why does God allow evil to prosper? Everyone asks that question at some point in their lives and everyone’s answers will vary. God allows struggles for many different reasons but promises to redeem each hardship for our greater good. David had strong enemies, but Scripture also records the number of people who stood with David against Saul, including his wife, Michal, and his good friend Jonathan. David will become king, but not without years of waiting and struggle.

1. David’s son, Solomon, would one day write a proverb saying, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). What can we learn about having a friend, and being a friend from the story of David and Jonathan? Do you think our culture encourages biblical friendships?

2. 10. Consider this quote by Charles Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher and theologian. He wrote, “A good man has his enemies. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. If we were without enemies we might fear we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to God.” How do Spurgeon’s words speak to your life and the witness you want to have within your circles of influence?