"If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up" - Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV).
In the folklore of the Baganda there is one powerful event that used to happen among two individuals. Somewhere along the way they would take a vow that involved incising each other's umbilical cord, smear blood on a coffee berry, chew it while swearing eternal friendship- okutta omukago! Such friendships could be used for valiant acts like defending one even at the cost of life.
In the Bible we find one such sweet friendship which two individuals also swore. Shortly after David slew Goliath, he was brought before King Saul by his General, Abner (1 Sam 17:57). There he met the king’s son, Jonathan, who became united to David in a deep and abiding friendship. "The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul...Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armour, and even his sword and his bow and his belt" (I Sam 18:1-4).
David would lose his great friend in battle ( I Sam 31:2). Later David sang a lament in which he said of his friend, “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women" (2 Sam 1:26).
Friendships is one of the blessings God has given us to enjoy. Friends are important for mutual conversation, encouragement, and consolation in difficulty; friends can bring joy to our lives, laughter, fulfilment and even serve us in moments of self-forgetfulness. As the saying goes, "a friend in need is a friend indeed!" And while we all know our sisters are better at making friends; us brothers should not deny ourselves equally of this free blessing.
Today each one of us should look out for friends. It must be said some God has planted in our lives for a divine purpose. Jonathan encouraged and showered up David's confidence at a low time when he was being pursued by King Saul. "And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?" (I Sam 20:9).
Who does not need such a friend in his or her life!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven and earth, as you have blessed us with the gift of friendships here on earth, I pray I may find such friendships and use them to further your kingdom!
Related upcoming events
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16/05/2024 - 17/05/2024 All day“But you will not go out in haste, nor will you go out as fugitives; For the Lord will go before you, And the Lord God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12)
When everyone of us is setting out for any journey usually there are certain items we first check we have tucked in our travelling bags before heading. If it is out of country of course a passport is a must. There are many countries where you will not be allowed in without a yellow fever certificate. During the corona virus pandemic a negative PCR test became mandatory before jumping on to a plane.
Aside from travel documents, what else? A long time ago when Isaac came of age his father Abraham wished him to marry from his people whom they had left far behind. So he called out one of his able servants to go back to his people and get Isaac a wife. Of course this servant got out the camels he needed and all the things important for the journey. Once he got to the town of Nahor which was his destination, this servant who remains unnamed, did something remarkable and memorable.
“Then he prayed, “Lord, you are the God of my master Abraham. Make me successful today. Be kind to my master Abraham” ( Gen 24:12). The servant asked God for a sign to help him know if he was in the right place. “Before he had finished praying Rebekah came out...Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord...The Lord has led me on this journey." (Genesis 24: 15- 27). Eventually he returned with Rebekah after explaining to her family his mission, who blessed her to go. “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands, may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies” ( Gen 24:60).
Everyone of us is on a journey. Some near; others, quite a bit far. But each day we set out on a journey may we be inspired by this unnamed servant, who recognized the most important document one needs for in a journey is prayer.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus that as I set out on the journey of life, you bless me as you did to Abraham’s servant, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
