Men of Encouragement | Men's DevotionalSample

A Friend Closer than a Brother

It’s rare, but sometimes lightning strikes.

When I went to college, I lived in a dorm full of strangers. Thirty-plus guys, two to a room, one communal washroom.

Those were the days.

In my third year, “lightning struck” in my roommate, Brent. We had been dormmates for two years already but never really knew each other. In fact, we were quite the opposite of each other.

But we understood each other, and that created a deep bond.

Friendship is interesting. It can last a season or a lifetime. It can be superficial or deep.

David was a man who needed a friend, and he found one in the most unlikely person—Jonathan, the rightful future king of Israel.

One would think that this would be cause for jealousy and division, but God had other plans.

Jonathan is an incredible character in David’s life and somehow knew and accepted that David would be king, not him.

And what did he do with that?

"…Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 'Don’t be afraid,' he said… 'You will be king over Israel...'” (I Samuel 23:16-17 NIV, emphasis added)

Compare this to how David’s own brothers reacted after his anointing:

"When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here…I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is...'” (I Samuel 17:28 NIV, emphasis added)

In all his years of running from Saul, David’s deepest support came from a friend who was closer than his brothers.

To be a man of encouragement is to see beyond your own family and find the friend that you can lift up and support.

So be like Jonathan. You might just find a deep friendship in the most unlikely person.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the friendships You have given me over the years. Help me to continue to connect and be an encouraging friend who is closer than a brother. Amen.

Reflection: Who is one friend you can reach out to and encourage today?