David & Jonathan | Tim Caldwell | My Favorite Story

All right. All right. Well, Fellowship All right. All right. Well, Fellowship West Little Rock, good morning. West Little Rock, good morning. West Little Rock, good morning. >> And even those who would be joining us >> And even those who would be joining us >> And even those who would be joining us online or in the chapel, so many of you online or in the chapel, so many of you online or in the chapel, so many of you helped pioneer this place called helped pioneer this place called helped pioneer this place called Fellowship. We're grateful for your Fellowship. We're grateful for your Fellowship. We're grateful for your faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best years of my life were here um in this years of my life were here um in this years of my life were here um in this room on this campus. I'm so grateful for room on this campus. I'm so grateful for room on this campus. I'm so grateful for fellowship. And honestly, when we showed fellowship. And honestly, when we showed fellowship. And honestly, when we showed up from Texas, my kids were 64 and two. up from Texas, my kids were 64 and two. up from Texas, my kids were 64 and two. And then it's a little bit of time has And then it's a little bit of time has And then it's a little bit of time has gone since then. And so now they're 24 gone since then. And so now they're 24 gone since then. And so now they're 24 and married and 23 and 20 and 15. And so and married and 23 and 20 and 15. And so and married and 23 and 20 and 15. And so that's us. And um a lot has a lot has that's us. And um a lot has a lot has that's us. And um a lot has a lot has grown in the last 18 years, but I'm grown in the last 18 years, but I'm grown in the last 18 years, but I'm still at the church that I love. And so still at the church that I love. And so still at the church that I love. And so this whole strategy of of planting this whole strategy of of planting this whole strategy of of planting campuses and eight years ago, we went campuses and eight years ago, we went campuses and eight years ago, we went out um and planted the Midtown campus. out um and planted the Midtown campus. out um and planted the Midtown campus. But the fact that teaching pastors not But the fact that teaching pastors not But the fact that teaching pastors not only were here, they're also there. It's only were here, they're also there. It's only were here, they're also there. It's working. The Lord is working outside of working. The Lord is working outside of working. The Lord is working outside of these walls. But it's really good to be these walls. But it's really good to be these walls. But it's really good to be back and to see his faithfulness in so back and to see his faithfulness in so back and to see his faithfulness in so many of you who invested in us and our many of you who invested in us and our many of you who invested in us and our family. and you're still walking with family. and you're still walking with family. and you're still walking with the Lord faithfully. So, thank you for the Lord faithfully. So, thank you for the Lord faithfully. So, thank you for letting me be here with you guys today.

letting me be here with you guys today. letting me be here with you guys today. Um, if you'll have if you have a Bible Um, if you'll have if you have a Bible Um, if you'll have if you have a Bible with you, 1st Samuel 18, we're going to with you, 1st Samuel 18, we're going to with you, 1st Samuel 18, we're going to start and here's the deal. We have this start and here's the deal. We have this start and here's the deal. We have this my favorite story. And what we're going my favorite story. And what we're going my favorite story. And what we're going to say today is a story of David and to say today is a story of David and to say today is a story of David and Jonathan. And David and Jonathan is a Jonathan. And David and Jonathan is a Jonathan. And David and Jonathan is a story of friendship. It's not a manual story of friendship. It's not a manual story of friendship. It's not a manual on that. It's just we're going to look on that. It's just we're going to look on that. It's just we're going to look at their life and probably take some at their life and probably take some at their life and probably take some things from that. But we're going to do things from that. But we're going to do things from that. But we're going to do since it's a story, we're going to have since it's a story, we're going to have since it's a story, we're going to have four acts. So, when they meet, some four acts. So, when they meet, some four acts. So, when they meet, some things that happen in the middle and the things that happen in the middle and the things that happen in the middle and the conflict and the resolution and then conflict and the resolution and then conflict and the resolution and then even at the end of their friendship is even at the end of their friendship is even at the end of their friendship is where we're going to be going today. And where we're going to be going today. And where we're going to be going today. And I'll just make this confession. This has I'll just make this confession. This has I'll just make this confession. This has not always been my favorite story. It is not always been my favorite story. It is not always been my favorite story. It is now, but I don't know for you, you might now, but I don't know for you, you might now, but I don't know for you, you might have a plethora of friends. When we have a plethora of friends. When we have a plethora of friends. When we moved to Little Rock, there were people moved to Little Rock, there were people moved to Little Rock, there were people who had high school, like they had lived who had high school, like they had lived who had high school, like they had lived here their whole life and they had more here their whole life and they had more here their whole life and they had more friends than they knew what to do with. friends than they knew what to do with. friends than they knew what to do with. Like, they had to schedule them out on Like, they had to schedule them out on Like, they had to schedule them out on the days. And that's just not been my the days. And that's just not been my the days. And that's just not been my problem. Actually, I think it was my problem. Actually, I think it was my problem. Actually, I think it was my junior year was the very first time I junior year was the very first time I junior year was the very first time I looked around and everybody else had looked around and everybody else had looked around and everybody else had their people and they had their friends their people and they had their friends their people and they had their friends and I was like, "Well, they're just and I was like, "Well, they're just and I was like, "Well, they're just weird." And then I had this realization weird." And then I had this realization weird." And then I had this realization like everybody has their people, but me, like everybody has their people, but me, like everybody has their people, but me, like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm the one who doesn't have a group. And the one who doesn't have a group. And the one who doesn't have a group. And and I thought maybe for a second, oh, and I thought maybe for a second, oh, and I thought maybe for a second, oh, that's because I gave my life to Lord.

that's because I gave my life to Lord. that's because I gave my life to Lord. I'm spiritual and they're not. No, I I'm spiritual and they're not. No, I I'm spiritual and they're not. No, I think I was just weird. And I didn't think I was just weird. And I didn't think I was just weird. And I didn't peak until maybe college or or or later peak until maybe college or or or later peak until maybe college or or or later on. And I just wonder if that's for you on. And I just wonder if that's for you on. And I just wonder if that's for you that I probably had more of my life that I probably had more of my life that I probably had more of my life without deep friendships than I have had without deep friendships than I have had without deep friendships than I have had them. But that's become a very very them. But that's become a very very them. But that's become a very very precious part of my life is friendships. precious part of my life is friendships. precious part of my life is friendships. And so I was drawn to this story of And so I was drawn to this story of And so I was drawn to this story of David and Jonathan as we look at this David and Jonathan as we look at this David and Jonathan as we look at this today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where we're today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where we're today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where we're going to begin. We'll read through the going to begin. We'll read through the going to begin. We'll read through the story. It's going to span about five story. It's going to span about five story. It's going to span about five different chapters. Actually 16 different chapters. Actually 16 different chapters. Actually 16 chapters, but five different chapters chapters, but five different chapters chapters, but five different chapters we'll discuss today. I wonder today if we'll discuss today. I wonder today if we'll discuss today. I wonder today if if you're able to, would you stand? Um, if you're able to, would you stand? Um, if you're able to, would you stand? Um, this is not in my honor, this is not in my honor, this is not in my honor, but maybe just to remind ourselves, this but maybe just to remind ourselves, this but maybe just to remind ourselves, this is not just a story. This is not just a is not just a story. This is not just a is not just a story. This is not just a book. This is the word of God. It's book. This is the word of God. It's book. This is the word of God. It's living and active, sharper than the living and active, sharper than the living and active, sharper than the two-edged sword. And if the Lord is two-edged sword. And if the Lord is two-edged sword. And if the Lord is speaking today, we want to hear it. So, speaking today, we want to hear it. So, speaking today, we want to hear it. So, let's read and let's start off the let's read and let's start off the let's read and let's start off the story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one. story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one. story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one. It says, "As soon as David had finished It says, "As soon as David had finished It says, "As soon as David had finished speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and was knit to the soul of David, and was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul."

because he loved him as his own soul." because he loved him as his own soul." And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself of his robe that was on him and gave it of his robe that was on him and gave it of his robe that was on him and gave it to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his sword and his bow and his belt. sword and his bow and his belt. sword and his bow and his belt. I wonder if you'll close your eyes for I wonder if you'll close your eyes for I wonder if you'll close your eyes for just a moment. just a moment. just a moment. Would you just like He can hear your Would you just like He can hear your Would you just like He can hear your thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to speak to you today? speak to you today? speak to you today? Maybe just tell him that you don't want Maybe just tell him that you don't want Maybe just tell him that you don't want to miss anything he has for you today. God, today we God, today we we have your holy word, your Holy we have your holy word, your Holy we have your holy word, your Holy Spirit. would enable our hearts to hear Spirit. would enable our hearts to hear Spirit. would enable our hearts to hear and our ears to hear to take away and our ears to hear to take away and our ears to hear to take away whatever distractions and whatever you whatever distractions and whatever you whatever distractions and whatever you want to show us today Lord I pray that want to show us today Lord I pray that want to show us today Lord I pray that that we would get it would be loud and that we would get it would be loud and that we would get it would be loud and clear that Lord if you want to speak to clear that Lord if you want to speak to clear that Lord if you want to speak to the people here today then Lord we say the people here today then Lord we say the people here today then Lord we say speak for your servants are listening we speak for your servants are listening we speak for your servants are listening we ask for your help and we pray this in ask for your help and we pray this in ask for your help and we pray this in Jesus name amen you guys can go ahead Jesus name amen you guys can go ahead Jesus name amen you guys can go ahead and be seated and be seated and be seated all right well let me just tell you all right well let me just tell you all right well let me just tell you where we are in the story chapter 17 is where we are in the story chapter 17 is where we are in the story chapter 17 is David and Goliath and so there's a David and Goliath and so there's a David and Goliath and so there's a chapter there he does the sling And then chapter there he does the sling And then chapter there he does the sling And then he cuts his head off. And if you read he cuts his head off. And if you read he cuts his head off. And if you read through the story, which I would through the story, which I would through the story, which I would encourage you to do, I think David's encourage you to do, I think David's encourage you to do, I think David's really excited because he carries his really excited because he carries his really excited because he carries his head around wherever he goes. I mean, he head around wherever he goes. I mean, he head around wherever he goes. I mean, he goes and he changes and he takes off his goes and he changes and he takes off his goes and he changes and he takes off his armor and Saul calls him and he shows up armor and Saul calls him and he shows up armor and Saul calls him and he shows up with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's like he's there and he's he's answering like he's there and he's he's answering like he's there and he's he's answering these questions. He's just had his these questions. He's just had his these questions. He's just had his biggest moment. And that's what in verse biggest moment. And that's what in verse biggest moment. And that's what in verse 18 verse one, as soon as he gets done 18 verse one, as soon as he gets done 18 verse one, as soon as he gets done talking with Saul, it says, "As soon as talking with Saul, it says, "As soon as talking with Saul, it says, "As soon as he finished speaking to Saul, the soul

he finished speaking to Saul, the soul he finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of of Jonathan was knit to the soul of of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David. And Jonathan loved him as his own David. And Jonathan loved him as his own David. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Have you ever had that happen to soul. Have you ever had that happen to soul. Have you ever had that happen to you? Like you meet somebody at work and you? Like you meet somebody at work and you? Like you meet somebody at work and it's a new co-orker and you're like, "My it's a new co-orker and you're like, "My it's a new co-orker and you're like, "My soul is knit to yours. I I love you as I soul is knit to yours. I I love you as I soul is knit to yours. I I love you as I love myself." love myself." love myself." Maybe there's some translation things Maybe there's some translation things Maybe there's some translation things 3,000 years later, but somehow there's 3,000 years later, but somehow there's 3,000 years later, but somehow there's this instant connection between David this instant connection between David this instant connection between David and Jonathan. and Jonathan. and Jonathan. And right off the bat, there's And right off the bat, there's And right off the bat, there's commitment. He says, "Then Jonathan in commitment. He says, "Then Jonathan in commitment. He says, "Then Jonathan in verse three made a covenant with David verse three made a covenant with David verse three made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul because he loved him as his own soul because he loved him as his own soul that he stripped himself of the robe that he stripped himself of the robe that he stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David and that was on him and gave it to David and that was on him and gave it to David and his armor and even his sword and his bow his armor and even his sword and his bow his armor and even his sword and his bow and his belts." All right. So, they're and his belts." All right. So, they're and his belts." All right. So, they're they're they're committing this covenant they're they're committing this covenant they're they're committing this covenant or commitment like from the very get-go. or commitment like from the very get-go. or commitment like from the very get-go. They just met, but somehow their souls They just met, but somehow their souls They just met, but somehow their souls are knit together. They have this are knit together. They have this are knit together. They have this covenant and they're exchanging some covenant and they're exchanging some covenant and they're exchanging some items. And so, his royal robe, um, some items. And so, his royal robe, um, some items. And so, his royal robe, um, some of like his bow, his sword, and he would of like his bow, his sword, and he would of like his bow, his sword, and he would give those. And if you look up some of give those. And if you look up some of give those. And if you look up some of those, it was common in covenants to to those, it was common in covenants to to those, it was common in covenants to to pass something. Each each commentator pass something. Each each commentator pass something. Each each commentator would say something different. So I I would say something different. So I I would say something different. So I I don't want to try to make it something don't want to try to make it something don't want to try to make it something that it's not, but he would give him a that it's not, but he would give him a that it's not, but he would give him a sword. I just happen one of my staff sword. I just happen one of my staff sword. I just happen one of my staff members has this in his office.

One time when when I worked with junior One time when when I worked with junior high students, this was part of the high students, this was part of the high students, this was part of the curriculum and it was a plastic sword, curriculum and it was a plastic sword, curriculum and it was a plastic sword, but I just handed this person a sword. I but I just handed this person a sword. I but I just handed this person a sword. I was like, "Why would what would you do was like, "Why would what would you do was like, "Why would what would you do with this sword?" And he like came at with this sword?" And he like came at with this sword?" And he like came at me. I mean, like his first instinct, the me. I mean, like his first instinct, the me. I mean, like his first instinct, the student was like, and and we were student was like, and and we were student was like, and and we were talking about David and Jonathan. And talking about David and Jonathan. And talking about David and Jonathan. And you're like, "Man, I thought he would you're like, "Man, I thought he would you're like, "Man, I thought he would defend me." Oh, no. Like, first thing defend me." Oh, no. Like, first thing defend me." Oh, no. Like, first thing was just he was going to lunge me was just he was going to lunge me was just he was going to lunge me through. And and I guess really that's through. And and I guess really that's through. And and I guess really that's that's really the risk in it all. Like that's really the risk in it all. Like that's really the risk in it all. Like if you were really to give somebody your if you were really to give somebody your if you were really to give somebody your sword, you were to be vulnerable and sword, you were to be vulnerable and sword, you were to be vulnerable and say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's where I have fallen. Here's my story. where I have fallen. Here's my story. where I have fallen. Here's my story. Here's the parts that other people don't Here's the parts that other people don't Here's the parts that other people don't know of me." Then yeah, they can defend know of me." Then yeah, they can defend know of me." Then yeah, they can defend you. That they can sense maybe when you. That they can sense maybe when you. That they can sense maybe when you're tired, when they're walking along you're tired, when they're walking along you're tired, when they're walking along the journey, when to come alongside, the journey, when to come alongside, the journey, when to come alongside, when to prop you up, when to pray for when to prop you up, when to pray for when to prop you up, when to pray for you, when to come and fight for you. you, when to come and fight for you. you, when to come and fight for you. Or they could use that as ammo and they Or they could use that as ammo and they Or they could use that as ammo and they could attack you and sabotage you. But could attack you and sabotage you. But could attack you and sabotage you. But that's the risk of that's the risk of that's the risk of opening up yourself and letting yourself opening up yourself and letting yourself opening up yourself and letting yourself be really known amongst some friends. be really known amongst some friends. be really known amongst some friends. And it was a risk that this giant slayer And it was a risk that this giant slayer And it was a risk that this giant slayer David and Jonathan were willing to to to David and Jonathan were willing to to to David and Jonathan were willing to to to make. There there's a a scripture. It's make. There there's a a scripture. It's make. There there's a a scripture. It's in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. It would in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. It would in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. It would speak to this and it says, "Two are speak to this and it says, "Two are speak to this and it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good return on their labor. If either one of return on their labor. If either one of return on their labor. If either one of them falls down, then one can help the them falls down, then one can help the them falls down, then one can help the other up. but pity the one who falls and other up. but pity the one who falls and other up. but pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up. So two are has no one to help him up. So two are has no one to help him up. So two are better than one. Jonathan and David, better than one. Jonathan and David, better than one. Jonathan and David, they would admit to that. They believe they would admit to that. They believe they would admit to that. They believe that. And here's why. When you're that. And here's why. When you're that. And here's why. When you're walking with somebody else and you fall, walking with somebody else and you fall, walking with somebody else and you fall, that that's embarrassing.

that that's embarrassing. that that's embarrassing. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] But at least you have somebody to help But at least you have somebody to help But at least you have somebody to help you up and to fight for you. Pity the you up and to fight for you. Pity the you up and to fight for you. Pity the man, the one who has no one to help them man, the one who has no one to help them man, the one who has no one to help them up. up. up. Two are better than one. And Jonathan Two are better than one. And Jonathan Two are better than one. And Jonathan and David would find that. And I just and David would find that. And I just and David would find that. And I just wonder for you, um, do you know that two wonder for you, um, do you know that two wonder for you, um, do you know that two are better than one? are better than one? are better than one? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Maybe that was high school or college Maybe that was high school or college Maybe that was high school or college for you and now you're grown or you're for you and now you're grown or you're for you and now you're grown or you're adult or you're a senior. Like not in the past. I'm saying now because not in the past. I'm saying now because the enemy roars around like a roaring the enemy roars around like a roaring the enemy roars around like a roaring lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour. lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour. lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour. Like who who would fight for you? Who Like who who would fight for you? Who Like who who would fight for you? Who would walk with you in this thing called would walk with you in this thing called would walk with you in this thing called life? It's not meant to do alone. And I life? It's not meant to do alone. And I life? It's not meant to do alone. And I just wonder, have you handed your sword? just wonder, have you handed your sword? just wonder, have you handed your sword? You've been vulnerable. You've been vulnerable. You've been vulnerable. You've shared your story, your You've shared your story, your You've shared your story, your weaknesses, so that others can fight weaknesses, so that others can fight weaknesses, so that others can fight along for you. Well, that's how the along for you. Well, that's how the along for you. Well, that's how the story starts with David and Jonathan. story starts with David and Jonathan. story starts with David and Jonathan. That's act one. For act two, we're going That's act one. For act two, we're going That's act one. For act two, we're going to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20.

to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20. to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20. Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast friends and they're they're doing just friends and they're they're doing just friends and they're they're doing just fine. There's just one little problem um fine. There's just one little problem um fine. There's just one little problem um and that's Jonathan's dad's a murderer, and that's Jonathan's dad's a murderer, and that's Jonathan's dad's a murderer, right? And he wants to murder David and right? And he wants to murder David and right? And he wants to murder David and him and his army. And so that becomes him and his army. And so that becomes him and his army. And so that becomes quite problematic if you're going to quite problematic if you're going to quite problematic if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to go to dinner with your friends. Um that go to dinner with your friends. Um that go to dinner with your friends. Um that that's that's that's that that's where we are. And so let's that that's where we are. And so let's that that's where we are. And so let's let's just look at this the situation. let's just look at this the situation. let's just look at this the situation. Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then David fled from Naoth and Rama and came David fled from Naoth and Rama and came David fled from Naoth and Rama and came and said before Jonathan, "What have I and said before Jonathan, "What have I and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my guilt? What is my sin done? What is my guilt? What is my sin done? What is my guilt? What is my sin before your father that he seeks my before your father that he seeks my before your father that he seeks my life?" And he said, "No, no, no. Far be life?" And he said, "No, no, no. Far be life?" And he said, "No, no, no. Far be it from me. You shall not die. Behold, it from me. You shall not die. Behold, it from me. You shall not die. Behold, my father does neither either great or my father does neither either great or my father does neither either great or small without disclosing it to me. And small without disclosing it to me. And small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? why should my father hide this from me? why should my father hide this from me? It is not so. Jonathan is is in denial It is not so. Jonathan is is in denial It is not so. Jonathan is is in denial about who his dad is and what he's about who his dad is and what he's about who his dad is and what he's doing. But but David vowed again, doing. But but David vowed again, doing. But but David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I saying, "Your father knows well that I saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he have found favor in your eyes, and he have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved. But truly, as the lest he be grieved. But truly, as the lest he be grieved. But truly, as the Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is but a step between me and death." Then but a step between me and death." Then but a step between me and death." Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do." At at first he's like, say, I will do." At at first he's like, say, I will do." At at first he's like, "Come on, come on. You're you're you're "Come on, come on. You're you're you're "Come on, come on. You're you're you're overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, you you don't know him." And he's like, you you don't know him." And he's like, you you don't know him." And he's like, "No, no, I do know him." And he's "No, no, I do know him." And he's "No, no, I do know him." And he's throwing a spear at me and he's trying throwing a spear at me and he's trying throwing a spear at me and he's trying to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to that and he commits himself to Jonathan.

that and he commits himself to Jonathan. that and he commits himself to Jonathan. I mean to David. I mean to David. I mean to David. Many times you hear this saying that Many times you hear this saying that Many times you hear this saying that blood is thicker than water. Not here. blood is thicker than water. Not here. blood is thicker than water. Not here. Actually, he's going to be committed to Actually, he's going to be committed to Actually, he's going to be committed to David and not to his father, David and not to his father, David and not to his father, not to his royal lineage. not to his royal lineage. not to his royal lineage. He's committed to him. And then when he He's committed to him. And then when he He's committed to him. And then when he says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, I will do for you." Now, David's going I will do for you." Now, David's going I will do for you." Now, David's going to tell him a plan. All right. David has to tell him a plan. All right. David has to tell him a plan. All right. David has a plan to save his own life. And you're a plan to save his own life. And you're a plan to save his own life. And you're going to see that played out before we going to see that played out before we going to see that played out before we get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But I want I just want to say two things as I want I just want to say two things as I want I just want to say two things as you're reading through this this week. you're reading through this this week. you're reading through this this week. You're we don't have enough time. You're You're we don't have enough time. You're You're we don't have enough time. You're going to miss plenty of things. So verse going to miss plenty of things. So verse going to miss plenty of things. So verse 16, I want I want to just hit on a 16, I want I want to just hit on a 16, I want I want to just hit on a couple highlights and then you can read couple highlights and then you can read couple highlights and then you can read this later this week. But verse 16, this later this week. But verse 16, this later this week. But verse 16, there's something interesting before there's something interesting before there's something interesting before this plan unfolds. It says, "And this plan unfolds. It says, "And this plan unfolds. It says, "And Jonathan made a covenant with the house Jonathan made a covenant with the house Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord take of David, saying, "May the Lord take of David, saying, "May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies." So, so vengeance on David's enemies." So, so vengeance on David's enemies." So, so there's that word again. Jonathan made there's that word again. Jonathan made there's that word again. Jonathan made another covenant, another commitment another covenant, another commitment another covenant, another commitment with not just David, but the house of with not just David, but the house of with not just David, but the house of David, David, David, him and his family, him and his him and his family, him and his him and his family, him and his descendants.

descendants. descendants. And he said, "May the Lord take And he said, "May the Lord take And he said, "May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies." Who's vengeance on David's enemies." Who's vengeance on David's enemies." Who's David's enemy right now? Yeah, David's enemy right now? Yeah, David's enemy right now? Yeah, Jonathan's dad. Jonathan's dad. Jonathan's dad. So, here's my question for you. this So, here's my question for you. this So, here's my question for you. this word and it's going to come up two more word and it's going to come up two more word and it's going to come up two more times today. They keep making covenants times today. They keep making covenants times today. They keep making covenants and commitments. So, what does that look and commitments. So, what does that look and commitments. So, what does that look like for you if you were to make a like for you if you were to make a like for you if you were to make a covenant with a friend? When I was in elementary, I don't know When I was in elementary, I don't know if it's still a thing, but but there was if it's still a thing, but but there was if it's still a thing, but but there was something called blood brothers. So, something called blood brothers. So, something called blood brothers. So, when we were like hanging out in the in when we were like hanging out in the in when we were like hanging out in the in the apartment complex and we would move the apartment complex and we would move the apartment complex and we would move every couple years, people were like, every couple years, people were like, every couple years, people were like, "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood brothers." [clears throat] Which means brothers." [clears throat] Which means brothers." [clears throat] Which means you cut yourself and they cut themselves you cut yourself and they cut themselves you cut yourself and they cut themselves and you mix blood. horrible idea for and you mix blood. horrible idea for and you mix blood. horrible idea for hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of those things. But as seven-year-olds, we those things. But as seven-year-olds, we those things. But as seven-year-olds, we felt like men. Like we had just made a felt like men. Like we had just made a felt like men. Like we had just made a covenant to each other for that week or covenant to each other for that week or covenant to each other for that week or for however long. I mean, that that's for however long. I mean, that that's for however long. I mean, that that's how we did it. But but how would we do how we did it. But but how would we do how we did it. But but how would we do that even today? I mean, can you imagine that even today? I mean, can you imagine that even today? I mean, can you imagine meeting somebody at work and be like, meeting somebody at work and be like, meeting somebody at work and be like, "Hey, can we make this official? Can we "Hey, can we make this official? Can we "Hey, can we make this official? Can we be friends? I mean, you and me forever. be friends? I mean, you and me forever. be friends? I mean, you and me forever. I mean, here sign on the dotted line.

I mean, here sign on the dotted line. I mean, here sign on the dotted line. That sounds quite desperate. Weird. That sounds quite desperate. Weird. That sounds quite desperate. Weird. Maybe it sounded fine here. What? What Maybe it sounded fine here. What? What Maybe it sounded fine here. What? What [snorts] what does it look like to be [snorts] what does it look like to be [snorts] what does it look like to be committed to a group of friends Think about the the most significant Think about the the most significant things in your life usually come because things in your life usually come because things in your life usually come because of commitment. of commitment. of commitment. Your commitment to your spouse or to Your commitment to your spouse or to Your commitment to your spouse or to your family or to your kids or to your your family or to your kids or to your your family or to your kids or to your parents. Like there's just faithfulness parents. Like there's just faithfulness parents. Like there's just faithfulness because you're committed to them for because you're committed to them for because you're committed to them for life. And sometimes the most significant life. And sometimes the most significant life. And sometimes the most significant things happen as a result of that. But things happen as a result of that. But things happen as a result of that. But then we get into a friendship, no then we get into a friendship, no then we get into a friendship, no commitment at all. And yet we want it to commitment at all. And yet we want it to commitment at all. And yet we want it to be the most significant life-giving be the most significant life-giving be the most significant life-giving thing ever. And maybe we're missing thing ever. And maybe we're missing thing ever. And maybe we're missing something. something. something. May maybe David and Jonathan were on to May maybe David and Jonathan were on to May maybe David and Jonathan were on to something by making these covenants and something by making these covenants and something by making these covenants and committing, saying, "We're I'm with committing, saying, "We're I'm with committing, saying, "We're I'm with you." you." you." What would that look like today if you What would that look like today if you What would that look like today if you were to make a covenant with some other were to make a covenant with some other were to make a covenant with some other people? people? people? maybe one that's a little bit um maybe one that's a little bit um maybe one that's a little bit um a little bit extreme, but but there were a little bit extreme, but but there were a little bit extreme, but but there were some some students who were FSM students some some students who were FSM students some some students who were FSM students back in the day and now they're all back in the day and now they're all back in the day and now they're all grown and they have kids and they're grown and they have kids and they're grown and they have kids and they're thinking of buying one plot of land with thinking of buying one plot of land with thinking of buying one plot of land with four houses in the same backyard and as four houses in the same backyard and as four houses in the same backyard and as long as they live, they're going to do long as they live, they're going to do long as they live, they're going to do life together. It's coming into the life together. It's coming into the life together. It's coming into the works. There's a group who was here 10 works. There's a group who was here 10 works. There's a group who was here 10 years ago before they came to Midtown.

years ago before they came to Midtown. years ago before they came to Midtown. They live in Midtown, but they just They live in Midtown, but they just They live in Midtown, but they just said, "Hey, unless the Lord moves us out said, "Hey, unless the Lord moves us out said, "Hey, unless the Lord moves us out of the city, as long as we're in the of the city, as long as we're in the of the city, as long as we're in the city, we're committed to each other. city, we're committed to each other. city, we're committed to each other. We're committed to raising our kids We're committed to raising our kids We're committed to raising our kids together, then playing sports together, together, then playing sports together, together, then playing sports together, being there for each other, and 10 years being there for each other, and 10 years being there for each other, and 10 years later, they're still at it. And devil's later, they're still at it. And devil's later, they're still at it. And devil's advocate, you might be like, "Well, that advocate, you might be like, "Well, that advocate, you might be like, "Well, that sounds like a holy huddle." And and it sounds like a holy huddle." And and it sounds like a holy huddle." And and it might be, but but not really. That might be, but but not really. That might be, but but not really. That they're tied and they're close and they they're tied and they're close and they they're tied and they're close and they fight for each other, but they also fight for each other, but they also fight for each other, but they also listen, they're like this power center. listen, they're like this power center. listen, they're like this power center. And then they go out and they minister And then they go out and they minister And then they go out and they minister in our city and to others and they lead in our city and to others and they lead in our city and to others and they lead people to the Lord and they disciple people to the Lord and they disciple people to the Lord and they disciple them. So, they're stronger. Like two is them. So, they're stronger. Like two is them. So, they're stronger. Like two is better than one. That that's what they better than one. That that's what they better than one. That that's what they do. And and I just wonder what if what do. And and I just wonder what if what do. And and I just wonder what if what if some people that you are friends with if some people that you are friends with if some people that you are friends with what if you were just to declare we're what if you were just to declare we're what if you were just to declare we're committed to you unless the Lord ever committed to you unless the Lord ever committed to you unless the Lord ever moves us out of this city we're moves us out of this city we're moves us out of this city we're committed to you. That's what David and committed to you. That's what David and committed to you. That's what David and Jonathan did. And you'll just see this Jonathan did. And you'll just see this Jonathan did. And you'll just see this word again and again covenant come up. word again and again covenant come up. word again and again covenant come up. That there's one other thing I want to That there's one other thing I want to That there's one other thing I want to just highlight. Verse 17. It says and just highlight. Verse 17. It says and just highlight. Verse 17. It says and Jonathan made David swear again by his Jonathan made David swear again by his Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him that he loved him as he love for him that he loved him as he love for him that he loved him as he loved his own.

loved his own. loved his own. There's a lot of sappiness here. Um There's a lot of sappiness here. Um There's a lot of sappiness here. Um it says that they loved each other. They it says that they loved each other. They it says that they loved each other. They were knit together for their own soul. were knit together for their own soul. were knit together for their own soul. Love for him. They made him swear his Love for him. They made him swear his Love for him. They made him swear his love for him as he loved him as his own. love for him as he loved him as his own. love for him as he loved him as his own. There's a time at the end they kiss. There's a time at the end they kiss. There's a time at the end they kiss. They love each other more than even a They love each other more than even a They love each other more than even a female is what it says. And and if you female is what it says. And and if you female is what it says. And and if you go on social media, you look there's a go on social media, you look there's a go on social media, you look there's a lot of people and they want this to they lot of people and they want this to they lot of people and they want this to they make this say whatever they want it to make this say whatever they want it to make this say whatever they want it to say. And so if you were to put this in say. And so if you were to put this in say. And so if you were to put this in the context of 2026 in America, the context of 2026 in America, the context of 2026 in America, then they would say, "Well, they were then they would say, "Well, they were then they would say, "Well, they were same-sex attracted. This is actually a same-sex attracted. This is actually a same-sex attracted. This is actually a sexual relationship." sexual relationship." sexual relationship." But that's not what the scriptures say. But that's not what the scriptures say. But that's not what the scriptures say. If it is, then we would deal with it. It If it is, then we would deal with it. It If it is, then we would deal with it. It doesn't say that. We have a friendship. doesn't say that. We have a friendship. doesn't say that. We have a friendship. And sometimes in our culture, we don't And sometimes in our culture, we don't And sometimes in our culture, we don't know what to do with a close know what to do with a close know what to do with a close relationship between two guys or two relationship between two guys or two relationship between two guys or two ladies. It's not sexual. ladies. It's not sexual. ladies. It's not sexual. But could it be, let me just ask you for But could it be, let me just ask you for But could it be, let me just ask you for a moment. Could it be that maybe this a moment. Could it be that maybe this a moment. Could it be that maybe this culture is different than America in culture is different than America in culture is different than America in 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, let me ask you a question. If you think let me ask you a question. If you think let me ask you a question. If you think about when you've gone to another about when you've gone to another about when you've gone to another country, the very first time I went to country, the very first time I went to country, the very first time I went to another country, it was I was 12 years another country, it was I was 12 years another country, it was I was 12 years old. I went to Mexico. And when I went old. I went to Mexico. And when I went old. I went to Mexico. And when I went to Mexico, first thing we were to Mexico, first thing we were to Mexico, first thing we were introduced to this family, I was 12.

introduced to this family, I was 12. introduced to this family, I was 12. They had a daughter who was 16. She came They had a daughter who was 16. She came They had a daughter who was 16. She came and when they said hello, she just and when they said hello, she just and when they said hello, she just kissed me. I mean, like Viva La Mexico. kissed me. I mean, like Viva La Mexico. kissed me. I mean, like Viva La Mexico. I mean, I [laughter] was like, I don't I mean, I [laughter] was like, I don't I mean, I [laughter] was like, I don't know. I don't know why she just did know. I don't know why she just did know. I don't know why she just did that. And she picked me out. And then I that. And she picked me out. And then I that. And she picked me out. And then I started watching. And you know what they started watching. And you know what they started watching. And you know what they do there is when you greet, you kiss do there is when you greet, you kiss do there is when you greet, you kiss like both people kiss cheeks. But I'm like both people kiss cheeks. But I'm like both people kiss cheeks. But I'm just sitting there like receiving it and just sitting there like receiving it and just sitting there like receiving it and going like this is amazing cuz I didn't going like this is amazing cuz I didn't going like this is amazing cuz I didn't know. And even guys like like it's a know. And even guys like like it's a know. And even guys like like it's a much more affectionate culture. much more affectionate culture. much more affectionate culture. Not only that, if you were to go to Not only that, if you were to go to Not only that, if you were to go to Kenya, we have actually a team right now Kenya, we have actually a team right now Kenya, we have actually a team right now who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if if you're walking down the streets, if you're walking down the streets, if you're walking down the streets, you'll sometimes you don't usually see a you'll sometimes you don't usually see a you'll sometimes you don't usually see a man and a woman holding hands or showing man and a woman holding hands or showing man and a woman holding hands or showing a public display of affection, but a public display of affection, but a public display of affection, but you'll see two guys, teenagers, just you'll see two guys, teenagers, just you'll see two guys, teenagers, just walking down, right? And I asked one walking down, right? And I asked one walking down, right? And I asked one time like, are oh, they're just good time like, are oh, they're just good time like, are oh, they're just good friends, guys and girls. They'll hold friends, guys and girls. They'll hold friends, guys and girls. They'll hold hands and walk and it's not a thing hands and walk and it's not a thing hands and walk and it's not a thing there. It is here, but it it's not there. It is here, but it it's not there. It is here, but it it's not there. there. there. Ethiopia. We have a family from Ethiopia Ethiopia. We have a family from Ethiopia Ethiopia. We have a family from Ethiopia um at Midtown. And they were telling me, um at Midtown. And they were telling me, um at Midtown. And they were telling me, Hille was just telling me that what they Hille was just telling me that what they Hille was just telling me that what they do in their culture, he like his kids do in their culture, he like his kids do in their culture, he like his kids are getting older, he still feeds them are getting older, he still feeds them are getting older, he still feeds them and their wife. Like if you were to go and their wife. Like if you were to go and their wife. Like if you were to go to Ethiopian's house and you were to Ethiopian's house and you were to Ethiopian's house and you were trusted, they would feed you. Now, trusted, they would feed you. Now, trusted, they would feed you. Now, pause. If if you're watching a show and pause. If if you're watching a show and pause. If if you're watching a show and people start feeding each other and you people start feeding each other and you people start feeding each other and you have kids in the room, like you're have kids in the room, like you're have kids in the room, like you're getting ready, right, to fast forward it getting ready, right, to fast forward it getting ready, right, to fast forward it because it might get a little spicy. All because it might get a little spicy. All because it might get a little spicy. All right? Feeding somebody else. We just right? Feeding somebody else. We just right? Feeding somebody else. We just naturally go there. That's just naturally go there. That's just naturally go there. That's just commonplace closeness, plutonic commonplace closeness, plutonic commonplace closeness, plutonic closeness in other countries. Could it closeness in other countries. Could it closeness in other countries. Could it be that this is a different culture? So

be that this is a different culture? So be that this is a different culture? So when it talks about all these things, when it talks about all these things, when it talks about all these things, loving them as their own, souls being loving them as their own, souls being loving them as their own, souls being knit together, kissed, just want to address that because many just want to address that because many people will try to say things that people will try to say things that people will try to say things that aren't here in the scriptures. So that aren't here in the scriptures. So that aren't here in the scriptures. So that being said, let's read about this plan being said, let's read about this plan being said, let's read about this plan that David has concocted and let's see that David has concocted and let's see that David has concocted and let's see if it works. Verse 24. if it works. Verse 24. if it works. Verse 24. So David hid himself in the field and So David hid himself in the field and So David hid himself in the field and when the new moon festival came, the when the new moon festival came, the when the new moon festival came, the king sat down to eat food. He sat on his king sat down to eat food. He sat on his king sat down to eat food. He sat on his seat as as at other times on the seat by seat as as at other times on the seat by seat as as at other times on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and Abnner sat by Saul's side. And David's Abnner sat by Saul's side. And David's Abnner sat by Saul's side. And David's place was empty. place was empty. place was empty. Yet Saul did not say anything that first Yet Saul did not say anything that first Yet Saul did not say anything that first day, for he thought, "Something has day, for he thought, "Something has day, for he thought, "Something has happened to him. He is not clean. Surely happened to him. He is not clean. Surely happened to him. He is not clean. Surely he is not clean." Okay, so there's this he is not clean." Okay, so there's this he is not clean." Okay, so there's this really big festival, a new moon really big festival, a new moon really big festival, a new moon festival, right? And if you're invited festival, right? And if you're invited festival, right? And if you're invited by the king, you show up. And David's by the king, you show up. And David's by the king, you show up. And David's just not there. just not there. just not there. He gets grace that first time. And it He gets grace that first time. And it He gets grace that first time. And it just goes on. It says, "But on the just goes on. It says, "But on the just goes on. It says, "But on the second day, the day after the new moon, second day, the day after the new moon, second day, the day after the new moon, David's place was empty. And Saul asked David's place was empty. And Saul asked David's place was empty. And Saul asked Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or come to the meal either yesterday or come to the meal either yesterday or today?" Now pause. How do you read that today?" Now pause. How do you read that today?" Now pause. How do you read that question? Is that Saul missing David?

question? Is that Saul missing David? question? Is that Saul missing David? Man, I wish David would be here. Man, I wish David would be here. Man, I wish David would be here. Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28, Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28, Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28, Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly asked, "Leave to me to go to Bethlehem? asked, "Leave to me to go to Bethlehem? asked, "Leave to me to go to Bethlehem? For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my holds a sacrifice in the city, and my holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So brother has commanded me to be there. So brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, now, if I have found favor in your eyes, now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers. For let me get away and see my brothers. For let me get away and see my brothers. For this reason, he has not come to the this reason, he has not come to the this reason, he has not come to the king's table." Get ready. king's table." Get ready. king's table." Get ready. Then Saul's anger was kindled against Then Saul's anger was kindled against Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not know that you have chosen the son of know that you have chosen the son of know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame Jesse to your own shame and to the shame Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long of your mother's nakedness? For as long of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be neither you nor your kingdom shall be neither you nor your kingdom shall be established." Therefore, send him to me, established." Therefore, send him to me, established." Therefore, send him to me, for he will surely die." Then Jonathan for he will surely die." Then Jonathan for he will surely die." Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, "Why should he answered Saul his father, "Why should he answered Saul his father, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" be put to death? What has he done?" be put to death? What has he done?" But Saul hurled his spear at him to But Saul hurled his spear at him to But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his strike him. So Jonathan knew that his strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father had determined to put David to father had determined to put David to father had determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table death. And Jonathan rose from the table death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the in fierce anger and ate no food the in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was second day of the month, for he was second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, for his father had grieved for David, for his father had grieved for David, for his father had disgraced him. So this plan with David disgraced him. So this plan with David disgraced him. So this plan with David in the field and just let's see what the in the field and just let's see what the in the field and just let's see what the reaction of the king is if he's kind of reaction of the king is if he's kind of reaction of the king is if he's kind of cooled down and he gets all fired up.

cooled down and he gets all fired up. cooled down and he gets all fired up. And actually a really good friend And actually a really good friend And actually a really good friend Jonathan would take the brunt. He would Jonathan would take the brunt. He would Jonathan would take the brunt. He would be cursed, called son of a perverse be cursed, called son of a perverse be cursed, called son of a perverse woman. And even his mother's nakedness, woman. And even his mother's nakedness, woman. And even his mother's nakedness, shame, like you you want to talk about shame, like you you want to talk about shame, like you you want to talk about at this festival that's supposed to be at this festival that's supposed to be at this festival that's supposed to be joyous, he gets shamed. And not only joyous, he gets shamed. And not only joyous, he gets shamed. And not only shamed, he would take a spear and have shamed, he would take a spear and have shamed, he would take a spear and have to evade it. to evade it. to evade it. But he would take that for his friend. But he would take that for his friend. But he would take that for his friend. Think about this for just a moment. He Think about this for just a moment. He Think about this for just a moment. He would take the curse of his father. He would take the curse of his father. He would take the curse of his father. He would even take a spear so that another would even take a spear so that another would even take a spear so that another could go free. could go free. could go free. Have you ever heard that story before? Have you ever heard that story before? Have you ever heard that story before? Because there's one that would come Because there's one that would come Because there's one that would come later. And he would take the wrath that later. And he would take the wrath that later. And he would take the wrath that his father had for sin. His name was his father had for sin. His name was his father had for sin. His name was Jesus. And he would take that on Jesus. And he would take that on Jesus. And he would take that on himself. And even what would finally end himself. And even what would finally end himself. And even what would finally end it would be a spear so that we could it would be a spear so that we could it would be a spear so that we could have forgiveness and go free. What a have forgiveness and go free. What a have forgiveness and go free. What a picture. What a great friend Jonathan picture. What a great friend Jonathan picture. What a great friend Jonathan is. And what a picture of the one who is. And what a picture of the one who is. And what a picture of the one who sticks closer than a brother. So things sticks closer than a brother. So things sticks closer than a brother. So things have gotten heated you guys in scene have gotten heated you guys in scene have gotten heated you guys in scene two.

two. two. Is there ever resolve? Is there ever resolve? Is there ever resolve? If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're going to do act three. Starts off so going to do act three. Starts off so going to do act three. Starts off so beautiful. It could be a hallmark movie. beautiful. It could be a hallmark movie. beautiful. It could be a hallmark movie. Now it comes to action. There's Now it comes to action. There's Now it comes to action. There's betrayal. There's cursing, betrayal. There's cursing, betrayal. There's cursing, attempted murder. attempted murder. attempted murder. Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll start in verse 15. You're just getting start in verse 15. You're just getting start in verse 15. You're just getting another little snapshot. another little snapshot. another little snapshot. David saw that Saul had come to seek his David saw that Saul had come to seek his David saw that Saul had come to seek his life. And David was in the wilderness of life. And David was in the wilderness of life. And David was in the wilderness of Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son rose and went to David at Hores and rose and went to David at Hores and rose and went to David at Hores and strengthened his hand in God. We might be able to put in there David We might be able to put in there David saw that Saul had come out to seek his saw that Saul had come out to seek his saw that Saul had come out to seek his life again. Like listen, that first time life again. Like listen, that first time life again. Like listen, that first time he's trying to kill him and then there's he's trying to kill him and then there's he's trying to kill him and then there's another time and then there's another another time and then there's another another time and then there's another time. This is a continual. And I don't time. This is a continual. And I don't time. This is a continual. And I don't know if you've ever gone through know if you've ever gone through know if you've ever gone through something that that's hard and something that that's hard and something that that's hard and disheartening, but when it passes, disheartening, but when it passes, disheartening, but when it passes, that's one thing. when it keeps that's one thing. when it keeps that's one thing. when it keeps reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect and it starts to weigh on you, somebody and it starts to weigh on you, somebody and it starts to weigh on you, somebody who wants you dead again and again and who wants you dead again and again and who wants you dead again and again and again. And so this time because of again. And so this time because of again. And so this time because of weariness or whatever else, it says that weariness or whatever else, it says that weariness or whatever else, it says that Jonathan rose and went to David. If you Jonathan rose and went to David. If you Jonathan rose and went to David. If you want to underline that for just a want to underline that for just a want to underline that for just a moment, he would go to him.

moment, he would go to him. moment, he would go to him. Listen, when you're friends with Listen, when you're friends with Listen, when you're friends with somebody else, you just show up for somebody else, you just show up for somebody else, you just show up for them. You make yourself like you go over them. You make yourself like you go over them. You make yourself like you go over even without an invitation in the good even without an invitation in the good even without an invitation in the good times and in the bad times. You show up. times and in the bad times. You show up. times and in the bad times. You show up. So I remember 20 25 years ago, our 25th So I remember 20 25 years ago, our 25th So I remember 20 25 years ago, our 25th anniversary, we had like a little anniversary, we had like a little anniversary, we had like a little ceremony where um where we renewed our ceremony where um where we renewed our ceremony where um where we renewed our vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I like when like it was better than our like when like it was better than our like when like it was better than our wedding. Um after 25 years, we knew what wedding. Um after 25 years, we knew what wedding. Um after 25 years, we knew what we were getting. We stood there in our we were getting. We stood there in our we were getting. We stood there in our living room in front of our kids living room in front of our kids living room in front of our kids declaring that. And some of our good declaring that. And some of our good declaring that. And some of our good friends, you know what they did right friends, you know what they did right friends, you know what they did right before the ceremony? I it was just our before the ceremony? I it was just our before the ceremony? I it was just our family. They brought a little wedding family. They brought a little wedding family. They brought a little wedding cake and they said, "Hey, we want to cake and they said, "Hey, we want to cake and they said, "Hey, we want to celebrate with you." These are some of celebrate with you." These are some of celebrate with you." These are some of the same friends that not only were the same friends that not only were the same friends that not only were there with us in the good time that there with us in the good time that there with us in the good time that would celebrate us in the good times. would celebrate us in the good times. would celebrate us in the good times. There was another time years ago when I There was another time years ago when I There was another time years ago when I came out of surgery um because of my came out of surgery um because of my came out of surgery um because of my shoulder and I was got the news that I shoulder and I was got the news that I shoulder and I was got the news that I was going to have to go that weekend to was going to have to go that weekend to was going to have to go that weekend to Maine to go say goodbye to my mother Maine to go say goodbye to my mother Maine to go say goodbye to my mother because she was not going to make it. because she was not going to make it. because she was not going to make it. And so my my world was and there was a And so my my world was and there was a And so my my world was and there was a group of friends that I was committed group of friends that I was committed group of friends that I was committed to. And you know what they did so that I to. And you know what they did so that I to. And you know what they did so that I could sleep after shoulder surgery.

could sleep after shoulder surgery. could sleep after shoulder surgery. There was already a recliner. I never There was already a recliner. I never There was already a recliner. I never asked for it in my like some it just asked for it in my like some it just asked for it in my like some it just showed up. There were gift cards and and showed up. There were gift cards and and showed up. There were gift cards and and and Door Dash things that just showed and Door Dash things that just showed and Door Dash things that just showed up. There were prayers and texts that up. There were prayers and texts that up. There were prayers and texts that just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up much like Jonathan just just showed up much like Jonathan just just showed up much like Jonathan just showed up because David is in distress. showed up because David is in distress. showed up because David is in distress. And I I don't know for you and how you And I I don't know for you and how you And I I don't know for you and how you do this. You probably know better than do this. You probably know better than do this. You probably know better than this. But in our culture sometimes when this. But in our culture sometimes when this. But in our culture sometimes when somebody's going through something you somebody's going through something you somebody's going through something you text because you don't want to evict, text because you don't want to evict, text because you don't want to evict, you know, you don't want to get into you know, you don't want to get into you know, you don't want to get into their personal stuff. Hey, just want to their personal stuff. Hey, just want to their personal stuff. Hey, just want to let you know I'm praying for you. If if let you know I'm praying for you. If if let you know I'm praying for you. If if I can do anything, let me know. Now, I can do anything, let me know. Now, I can do anything, let me know. Now, pause. Don't do that. If you're their pause. Don't do that. If you're their pause. Don't do that. If you're their friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're going through it." So, if you have the going through it." So, if you have the going through it." So, if you have the mental space to think about a plan that mental space to think about a plan that mental space to think about a plan that I could help you, then instruct me in I could help you, then instruct me in I could help you, then instruct me in that. No, no, no. If they're going that. No, no, no. If they're going that. No, no, no. If they're going through something, you show up. through something, you show up. through something, you show up. You bring whatever you need to bring. You bring whatever you need to bring. You bring whatever you need to bring. You You just friendship like Jonathan. You You just friendship like Jonathan. You You just friendship like Jonathan. And you know what? It may not be a good And you know what? It may not be a good And you know what? It may not be a good time, time, time, but in the chance that it is, you're but in the chance that it is, you're but in the chance that it is, you're there. You're there and you're present. there. You're there and you're present. there. You're there and you're present. And somehow Jonathan just being there, And somehow Jonathan just being there, And somehow Jonathan just being there, he's going to say just a couple things. he's going to say just a couple things. he's going to say just a couple things. It says he strengthened his hand in God.

It says he strengthened his hand in God. It says he strengthened his hand in God. Have Do you have a friend like that? Are Have Do you have a friend like that? Are Have Do you have a friend like that? Are you a friend like that? Somebody just you a friend like that? Somebody just you a friend like that? Somebody just shows up and maybe they don't say shows up and maybe they don't say shows up and maybe they don't say anything at all, but just the fact that anything at all, but just the fact that anything at all, but just the fact that they're there, you you you can't stay they're there, you you you can't stay they're there, you you you can't stay stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do you have somebody that you're picturing you have somebody that you're picturing you have somebody that you're picturing that maybe you hope would be a friend of that maybe you hope would be a friend of that maybe you hope would be a friend of yours? yours? yours? Acts 4, you can write that down. There's Acts 4, you can write that down. There's Acts 4, you can write that down. There's this story that the disciples, they're this story that the disciples, they're this story that the disciples, they're being threatened. They just are in being threatened. They just are in being threatened. They just are in custody. They get out and it says the custody. They get out and it says the custody. They get out and it says the first thing they do is they go find first thing they do is they go find first thing they do is they go find their friends. And as soon as they start their friends. And as soon as they start their friends. And as soon as they start talking to their friends, their friends talking to their friends, their friends talking to their friends, their friends start praying. They start believing that start praying. They start believing that start praying. They start believing that the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is shaking. And they go out and they change shaking. And they go out and they change shaking. And they go out and they change the world because two are better than the world because two are better than the world because two are better than one. And their hands were strengthened one. And their hands were strengthened one. And their hands were strengthened in God. So that's what's happening here. in God. So that's what's happening here. in God. So that's what's happening here. Go to your friends. Strengthen their Go to your friends. Strengthen their Go to your friends. Strengthen their hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand of Saul, my father, shall not find you. of Saul, my father, shall not find you. of Saul, my father, shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I You shall be king over Israel, and I You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you." Saul, my father, shall be next to you." Saul, my father, shall be next to you." Saul, my father, knows this." And the two of them made a knows this." And the two of them made a knows this." And the two of them made a what? Covenant before the Lord. David what? Covenant before the Lord. David what? Covenant before the Lord. David remained at Hesh and Jonathan went home.

remained at Hesh and Jonathan went home. remained at Hesh and Jonathan went home. So, he's going to go and strengthen his So, he's going to go and strengthen his So, he's going to go and strengthen his hand. He's going to say, "Do not fear." hand. He's going to say, "Do not fear." hand. He's going to say, "Do not fear." And did you see what who is the rightful And did you see what who is the rightful And did you see what who is the rightful throne like heir to the throne? throne like heir to the throne? throne like heir to the throne? Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king and he's gonna be the king. and he's gonna be the king. and he's gonna be the king. And he's gonna hand that over to David And he's gonna hand that over to David And he's gonna hand that over to David who hands over what is rightfully his, who hands over what is rightfully his, who hands over what is rightfully his, the kingdom to a best friend. the kingdom to a best friend. the kingdom to a best friend. He says, "You shall be king and I shall He says, "You shall be king and I shall He says, "You shall be king and I shall be next to you." Like he's okay with it. be next to you." Like he's okay with it. be next to you." Like he's okay with it. He's handing the kingdom over. Who does He's handing the kingdom over. Who does He's handing the kingdom over. Who does that? You want to talk about a that? You want to talk about a that? You want to talk about a selflessness that we see in Jonathan? selflessness that we see in Jonathan? selflessness that we see in Jonathan? Wow. To have a friend like him. Wow. To have a friend like him. Wow. To have a friend like him. Can you think of another person who Can you think of another person who Can you think of another person who would hand over a kingdom? what was would hand over a kingdom? what was would hand over a kingdom? what was rightfully his for the sake of another. I just I just I just I just there was a king there was a king there was a king and it would say this about him. He did and it would say this about him. He did and it would say this about him. He did not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but he emptied himself taking be grasped but he emptied himself taking be grasped but he emptied himself taking the form of a servant being born in the the form of a servant being born in the the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human form he humbled himself even being form he humbled himself even being form he humbled himself even being obedient to the point of death and death obedient to the point of death and death obedient to the point of death and death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly on a cross. Therefore, God has highly on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him a name exalted him and bestowed on him a name exalted him and bestowed on him a name that is above every other name. That at that is above every other name. That at that is above every other name. That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow the name of Jesus, every knee will bow the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess earth, and every tongue will confess earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Yes, there was the one who the Father. Yes, there was the one who the Father. Yes, there was the one who reigns reigns reigns and he would empty himself of that and and he would empty himself of that and and he would empty himself of that and he would take on a cross and he would be he would take on a cross and he would be he would take on a cross and he would be crucified. He would be buried and then

crucified. He would be buried and then crucified. He would be buried and then he would be risen from the dead and he's he would be risen from the dead and he's he would be risen from the dead and he's alive today and he's the King of Kings alive today and he's the King of Kings alive today and he's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And why would he and Lord of Lords. And why would he and Lord of Lords. And why would he empty himself of those things for a time empty himself of those things for a time empty himself of those things for a time so you could rule and reign with him? so you could rule and reign with him? so you could rule and reign with him? Wow. Wow. Wow. For us. I don't get it. [snorts] But For us. I don't get it. [snorts] But For us. I don't get it. [snorts] But it's good. It's good. Okay. it's good. It's good. Okay. it's good. It's good. Okay. There we go. Act three. We got one more There we go. Act three. We got one more There we go. Act three. We got one more act. act. act. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. It's a little bit Shakespearean in the It's a little bit Shakespearean in the It's a little bit Shakespearean in the way because um because Jonathan dies. way because um because Jonathan dies. way because um because Jonathan dies. He and Saul and so much of the army dies He and Saul and so much of the army dies He and Saul and so much of the army dies and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon David writes this whole lament David writes this whole lament David writes this whole lament in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. How the mighty have fallen in the midst How the mighty have fallen in the midst How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on your high places and I'm distressed for your high places and I'm distressed for your high places and I'm distressed for you. My brother Jonathan, you. My brother Jonathan, you. My brother Jonathan, very pleasant have you been to me. Your very pleasant have you been to me. Your very pleasant have you been to me. Your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing love to me was extraordinary, surpassing love to me was extraordinary, surpassing that of even women. How the mighty have that of even women. How the mighty have that of even women. How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war perished.

fallen and the weapons of war perished. fallen and the weapons of war perished. I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's been tighter than David and Jonathan, been tighter than David and Jonathan, been tighter than David and Jonathan, but it's only been 10 years, and so much but it's only been 10 years, and so much but it's only been 10 years, and so much of that they were separated. Why the why of that they were separated. Why the why of that they were separated. Why the why would the Lord allow this? Some of you would the Lord allow this? Some of you would the Lord allow this? Some of you in this room, you've had the gift of in this room, you've had the gift of in this room, you've had the gift of friendship before, but you moved or that friendship before, but you moved or that friendship before, but you moved or that was a long time ago was a long time ago was a long time ago and that's not your story anymore. and that's not your story anymore. and that's not your story anymore. You might be saying,"Lord, why why would You might be saying,"Lord, why why would You might be saying,"Lord, why why would you take such a good thing for for many you take such a good thing for for many you take such a good thing for for many of us in this room? Why why would I not of us in this room? Why why would I not of us in this room? Why why would I not have somebody like a David and Jonathan have somebody like a David and Jonathan have somebody like a David and Jonathan to get through? Like life is hard to get through? Like life is hard to get through? Like life is hard enough. Why not give this gift to all of enough. Why not give this gift to all of enough. Why not give this gift to all of us for all time?" us for all time?" us for all time?" What happens if you find yourself at a What happens if you find yourself at a What happens if you find yourself at a place without good friends? I I was place without good friends? I I was place without good friends? I I was looking at some research in the Pew Pew looking at some research in the Pew Pew looking at some research in the Pew Pew research, pretty unbiased. It said that research, pretty unbiased. It said that research, pretty unbiased. It said that 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either usually or always feel lonely. Now, maybe that's just all the people Now, maybe that's just all the people out there, right? Because they're not a out there, right? Because they're not a out there, right? Because they're not a part of church and t- groups and all part of church and t- groups and all part of church and t- groups and all those things. You guys probably don't those things. You guys probably don't those things. You guys probably don't ever wrestle with that at all. We are ever wrestle with that at all. We are ever wrestle with that at all. We are like we we've got David and Jonathan's like we we've got David and Jonathan's like we we've got David and Jonathan's all over the place.

all over the place. all over the place. Or maybe that which is true of those Or maybe that which is true of those Or maybe that which is true of those outside of this room are also true outside of this room are also true outside of this room are also true inside of this room or in the chapel or inside of this room or in the chapel or inside of this room or in the chapel or online. online. online. I've talked with enough men at lunches I've talked with enough men at lunches I've talked with enough men at lunches and they don't have life-giving friends and they don't have life-giving friends and they don't have life-giving friends and they could be surrounded. Like and they could be surrounded. Like and they could be surrounded. Like there's a lot of people and everyone there's a lot of people and everyone there's a lot of people and everyone knows about you but no one really knows knows about you but no one really knows knows about you but no one really knows you. you. you. I have people all the way from 70 to I have people all the way from 70 to I have people all the way from 70 to teenagers and they're going, I would teenagers and they're going, I would teenagers and they're going, I would love friendship and I don't have that. love friendship and I don't have that. love friendship and I don't have that. So what happens if we find ourselves So what happens if we find ourselves So what happens if we find ourselves there? there? there? If the stats are right, a third of you If the stats are right, a third of you If the stats are right, a third of you in this room. You would long to have a in this room. You would long to have a in this room. You would long to have a friend like a David and Jonathan. Is there any hope from this story that Is there any hope from this story that we could have? There's three things on we could have? There's three things on we could have? There's three things on your handout. your handout. your handout. The very first one I want you to The very first one I want you to The very first one I want you to consider is that friendship with the consider is that friendship with the consider is that friendship with the Lord might be the first invitation. Lord might be the first invitation. Lord might be the first invitation. Friendship with the Lord might be the Friendship with the Lord might be the Friendship with the Lord might be the first invitation. Here's a I've told you first invitation. Here's a I've told you first invitation. Here's a I've told you about my life. There's been more times about my life. There's been more times about my life. There's been more times when I haven't had good friends than when I haven't had good friends than when I haven't had good friends than when I have.

when I have. when I have. And I've tried to wrestle with that and And I've tried to wrestle with that and And I've tried to wrestle with that and and maybe I have a different perspective and maybe I have a different perspective and maybe I have a different perspective now. But but in sometimes I'm going now. But but in sometimes I'm going now. But but in sometimes I'm going surely it's not just always me. Maybe it surely it's not just always me. Maybe it surely it's not just always me. Maybe it is. Surely maybe I Here's what I think. I think the Lord Here's what I think. I think the Lord has intentionally put me at places where has intentionally put me at places where has intentionally put me at places where I don't have friends in seasons [snorts] I don't have friends in seasons [snorts] I don't have friends in seasons [snorts] as an invitation for friendship with as an invitation for friendship with as an invitation for friendship with him. him. him. I don't know where that's at in the I don't know where that's at in the I don't know where that's at in the scriptures. I just know that there's scriptures. I just know that there's scriptures. I just know that there's been plenty of times it should have been plenty of times it should have been plenty of times it should have worked out or I shouldn't have moved or worked out or I shouldn't have moved or worked out or I shouldn't have moved or what whatever it is and I had great what whatever it is and I had great what whatever it is and I had great friends and then I didn't all of a friends and then I didn't all of a friends and then I didn't all of a sudden and as opposed to this being sudden and as opposed to this being sudden and as opposed to this being punishment or I'm just like really weird punishment or I'm just like really weird punishment or I'm just like really weird or I don't know how to do this. It's or I don't know how to do this. It's or I don't know how to do this. It's almost like the Lord just pushed me almost like the Lord just pushed me almost like the Lord just pushed me aside just a little just pulls me to aside just a little just pulls me to aside just a little just pulls me to himself. And so as opposed to this himself. And so as opposed to this himself. And so as opposed to this posture from the Lord, it's like he's posture from the Lord, it's like he's posture from the Lord, it's like he's inviting me for friendship with him. And inviting me for friendship with him. And inviting me for friendship with him. And I just wonder if you have this ache of I just wonder if you have this ache of I just wonder if you have this ache of loneliness to be known, what if what if loneliness to be known, what if what if loneliness to be known, what if what if it's not a curse? What if it's an it's not a curse? What if it's an it's not a curse? What if it's an invitation that he would call you to invitation that he would call you to invitation that he would call you to himself? Is that in the scriptures? himself? Is that in the scriptures? himself? Is that in the scriptures? Psalm 25:14 says this, "The friendship Psalm 25:14 says this, "The friendship Psalm 25:14 says this, "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him."

of the Lord is for those who fear him." of the Lord is for those who fear him." And he makes known to them his covenant. And he makes known to them his covenant. And he makes known to them his covenant. Friendship with the most high. What? And Friendship with the most high. What? And Friendship with the most high. What? And and he's going to make known his and he's going to make known his and he's going to make known his covenant, his commitment. covenant, his commitment. covenant, his commitment. What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, Tim, that's Old Testament. What about Tim, that's Old Testament. What about Tim, that's Old Testament. What about New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write it down. This is why he calls the it down. This is why he calls the it down. This is why he calls the disciples to himself. It says this. He disciples to himself. It says this. He disciples to himself. It says this. He appointed 12 whom he named apostles so appointed 12 whom he named apostles so appointed 12 whom he named apostles so that they would be with him and that he that they would be with him and that he that they would be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Why did might send them out to preach. Why did might send them out to preach. Why did Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they were going to change the world. He's were going to change the world. He's were going to change the world. He's going to send them out but before them going to send them out but before them going to send them out but before them so they would just be with him. so they would just be with him. so they would just be with him. The king of the universe would call them The king of the universe would call them The king of the universe would call them to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it very specifically. very specifically. very specifically. He says, 'N no longer do I call you He says, 'N no longer do I call you He says, 'N no longer do I call you servants, for a servant doesn't know servants, for a servant doesn't know servants, for a servant doesn't know what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have called you friends. called you friends. called you friends. For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my father, I've made known to you. Do you father, I've made known to you. Do you father, I've made known to you. Do you see this? He calls his disciples see this? He calls his disciples see this? He calls his disciples friends. Can you imagine the most high friends. Can you imagine the most high friends. Can you imagine the most high calling you friend? And maybe that's the calling you friend? And maybe that's the calling you friend? And maybe that's the invitation. May maybe you've seen this invitation. May maybe you've seen this invitation. May maybe you've seen this loneliness as maybe something that's loneliness as maybe something that's loneliness as maybe something that's wrong with you or maybe you just don't wrong with you or maybe you just don't wrong with you or maybe you just don't have the favor of God. And what if it's have the favor of God. And what if it's have the favor of God. And what if it's not a pushing away? What if he's not a pushing away? What if he's not a pushing away? What if he's inviting this loneliness that you have inviting this loneliness that you have inviting this loneliness that you have so that you would first be friends with so that you would first be friends with so that you would first be friends with him? That does not happen overnight. But him? That does not happen overnight. But him? That does not happen overnight. But what if he's inviting you into that what if he's inviting you into that what if he's inviting you into that today? Just this week at Midtown, we had today? Just this week at Midtown, we had today? Just this week at Midtown, we had a a lady. She's in med school, but she a a lady. She's in med school, but she a a lady. She's in med school, but she grew up in going to Mount and and grew up in going to Mount and and grew up in going to Mount and and Catholic school. And so she was around Catholic school. And so she was around Catholic school. And so she was around stuff all the time, but a friend of hers stuff all the time, but a friend of hers stuff all the time, but a friend of hers has been talking to her about the has been talking to her about the has been talking to her about the gospel. And she came to us and she goes,

gospel. And she came to us and she goes, gospel. And she came to us and she goes, "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all keep talking about a relationship with keep talking about a relationship with keep talking about a relationship with God and the presence of God. I don't God and the presence of God. I don't God and the presence of God. I don't know what that is." know what that is." know what that is." And so our children's minister just went And so our children's minister just went And so our children's minister just went ahead and shed the said the gospel and ahead and shed the said the gospel and ahead and shed the said the gospel and said, "Do you want you want to think said, "Do you want you want to think said, "Do you want you want to think about it?" She's like, "I want it like about it?" She's like, "I want it like about it?" She's like, "I want it like now. I want that." And this barrier of now. I want that." And this barrier of now. I want that." And this barrier of sin sin sin and confessing him as Lord and giving and confessing him as Lord and giving and confessing him as Lord and giving her life to him, just tears started her life to him, just tears started her life to him, just tears started flowing. And what she's been seeking flowing. And what she's been seeking flowing. And what she's been seeking out, even though she's lived in the city out, even though she's lived in the city out, even though she's lived in the city all the time, she is beginning on a all the time, she is beginning on a all the time, she is beginning on a journey of a relationship and friendship journey of a relationship and friendship journey of a relationship and friendship with the Lord. If you're here today and with the Lord. If you're here today and with the Lord. If you're here today and you do not have a relationship with the you do not have a relationship with the you do not have a relationship with the Lord, there's an invitation to you. Lord, there's an invitation to you. Lord, there's an invitation to you. Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay for the sin and the penalty you deserve for the sin and the penalty you deserve for the sin and the penalty you deserve so that if you would confess your sin so that if you would confess your sin so that if you would confess your sin and follow him that he he would call you and follow him that he he would call you and follow him that he he would call you to himself. If you wanted to do that at to himself. If you wanted to do that at to himself. If you wanted to do that at the very bottom of your bulletin, you the very bottom of your bulletin, you the very bottom of your bulletin, you can write your name and your contact can write your name and your contact can write your name and your contact info. You can put I want to have a info. You can put I want to have a info. You can put I want to have a conversation about following Jesus. You conversation about following Jesus. You conversation about following Jesus. You can put it in the plates at the end or can put it in the plates at the end or can put it in the plates at the end or the boxes at the end when you leave or the boxes at the end when you leave or the boxes at the end when you leave or you can just stop by the connection you can just stop by the connection you can just stop by the connection center. Like this girl, she did not want center. Like this girl, she did not want center. Like this girl, she did not want to wait. She wanted a relationship with to wait. She wanted a relationship with to wait. She wanted a relationship with Jesus. And so maybe that's you today.

Jesus. And so maybe that's you today. Jesus. And so maybe that's you today. Please say yes to that invitation. But Please say yes to that invitation. But Please say yes to that invitation. But but since I lived here for 10 years in but since I lived here for 10 years in but since I lived here for 10 years in West Lock, West Lock, West Lock, most of us in this room, we have a most of us in this room, we have a most of us in this room, we have a relationship with the Lord. But I wonder relationship with the Lord. But I wonder relationship with the Lord. But I wonder how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it was 10 years ago or 20 years ago? was 10 years ago or 20 years ago? was 10 years ago or 20 years ago? My friendships, the longer I have them My friendships, the longer I have them My friendships, the longer I have them with people, they grow and they grow and with people, they grow and they grow and with people, they grow and they grow and they grow. And what if the Lord is they grow. And what if the Lord is they grow. And what if the Lord is calling you more as the invitation to calling you more as the invitation to calling you more as the invitation to himself to know him well? And maybe the himself to know him well? And maybe the himself to know him well? And maybe the loneliness is not just circumstances. loneliness is not just circumstances. loneliness is not just circumstances. Maybe it's a draw and invitation first Maybe it's a draw and invitation first Maybe it's a draw and invitation first to him. Friendship with the Lord might to him. Friendship with the Lord might to him. Friendship with the Lord might first of all be invitational. Second first of all be invitational. Second first of all be invitational. Second thing, I'll just give us a confession on thing, I'll just give us a confession on thing, I'll just give us a confession on your handout. It says, "Fear of your handout. It says, "Fear of your handout. It says, "Fear of rejection might be holding you back." rejection might be holding you back." rejection might be holding you back." This this is what held me back. We moved This this is what held me back. We moved This this is what held me back. We moved 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. We had friends. We We had a culde-sac We had friends. We We had a culde-sac We had friends. We We had a culde-sac with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we moved and we started over. moved and we started over. moved and we started over. Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID and I felt like I was back in the second and I felt like I was back in the second and I felt like I was back in the second grade. I'm going to call some people and grade. I'm going to call some people and grade. I'm going to call some people and say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group and be friends and be friends and be friends and I really was worried about and I really was worried about and I really was worried about rejection. I called a lot of people over rejection. I called a lot of people over rejection. I called a lot of people over this co year that I was just like, "Hey, this co year that I was just like, "Hey, this co year that I was just like, "Hey, I'm going to start a guys group." And I I'm going to start a guys group." And I I'm going to start a guys group." And I had like seven guys. They just never had like seven guys. They just never had like seven guys. They just never showed. I mean, like, what was there to showed. I mean, like, what was there to showed. I mean, like, what was there to do during COVID but sit in our homes, do during COVID but sit in our homes, do during COVID but sit in our homes, right? We were going to be socially right? We were going to be socially right? We were going to be socially distanced. I'm like, "Come on, let's do distanced. I'm like, "Come on, let's do distanced. I'm like, "Come on, let's do this together." And they didn't show.

this together." And they didn't show. this together." And they didn't show. Seven of them didn't. But seven of them Seven of them didn't. But seven of them Seven of them didn't. But seven of them did and and it forged some friendships did and and it forged some friendships did and and it forged some friendships that are still today. that are still today. that are still today. I just wonder for you, are you fearing I just wonder for you, are you fearing I just wonder for you, are you fearing rejection like with new friendships and rejection like with new friendships and rejection like with new friendships and that's why you just kind of keep to that's why you just kind of keep to that's why you just kind of keep to career and family or whatever you do. career and family or whatever you do. career and family or whatever you do. Sometimes I fear rejection because if Sometimes I fear rejection because if Sometimes I fear rejection because if like [snorts] if you think highly of me like [snorts] if you think highly of me like [snorts] if you think highly of me from afar, I don't want to mess that up. from afar, I don't want to mess that up. from afar, I don't want to mess that up. If you really knew about my life, you If you really knew about my life, you If you really knew about my life, you may not think as much of me if you may not think as much of me if you may not think as much of me if you really knew all the dark side and shadow really knew all the dark side and shadow really knew all the dark side and shadow side. Sometimes if I'm going to pursue side. Sometimes if I'm going to pursue side. Sometimes if I'm going to pursue someone, want even a commitment with someone, want even a commitment with someone, want even a commitment with them, like let's let's do this thing of them, like let's let's do this thing of them, like let's let's do this thing of being committed to each other and you being committed to each other and you being committed to each other and you hand somebody your sword or you tell hand somebody your sword or you tell hand somebody your sword or you tell them your weaknesses. I mean, they can them your weaknesses. I mean, they can them your weaknesses. I mean, they can do anything with that. They might just do anything with that. They might just do anything with that. They might just ghost you. They might just want to stay ghost you. They might just want to stay ghost you. They might just want to stay on surface. And so maybe it is for some on surface. And so maybe it is for some on surface. And so maybe it is for some of us here that rejection because of rejection and fear of because of rejection and fear of rejection, we don't ever take the first rejection, we don't ever take the first rejection, we don't ever take the first step of what God has for us. But what's step of what God has for us. But what's step of what God has for us. But what's hindering you from friendship? Mine was hindering you from friendship? Mine was hindering you from friendship? Mine was rejection. And I was crazy that in my rejection. And I was crazy that in my rejection. And I was crazy that in my mid40s, I still feel the same way as in mid40s, I still feel the same way as in mid40s, I still feel the same way as in high school.

There's a blank there for you. You can There's a blank there for you. You can maybe name this afternoon when you look maybe name this afternoon when you look maybe name this afternoon when you look at this again. You can name what it is at this again. You can name what it is at this again. You can name what it is that's hindering you from what God's that's hindering you from what God's that's hindering you from what God's calling you to in relationships. calling you to in relationships. calling you to in relationships. The the very last one is this is forging The the very last one is this is forging The the very last one is this is forging a path to be closer to true friends. a path to be closer to true friends. a path to be closer to true friends. Forge a path. I would say it's a path. Forge a path. I would say it's a path. Forge a path. I would say it's a path. My my my my middle daughter, she's so My my my my middle daughter, she's so My my my my middle daughter, she's so funny. She said something that's so funny. She said something that's so funny. She said something that's so profound. She's like, "Dad, the one profound. She's like, "Dad, the one profound. She's like, "Dad, the one miracle the greatest miracle of Jesus miracle the greatest miracle of Jesus miracle the greatest miracle of Jesus that no one ever talks about is that he that no one ever talks about is that he that no one ever talks about is that he had 12 male friends in his 30s." had 12 male friends in his 30s." had 12 male friends in his 30s." Right? [laughter] Right? [laughter] Right? [laughter] I mean, how rare is that? I mean, how rare is that? I mean, how rare is that? But it's true. A miracle. And I say that But it's true. A miracle. And I say that But it's true. A miracle. And I say that for this reason. If you want to be like for this reason. If you want to be like for this reason. If you want to be like Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the four gospels, he spends most of his the four gospels, he spends most of his the four gospels, he spends most of his time with his friends, his disciples. time with his friends, his disciples. time with his friends, his disciples. Like four gospels and there's these 12, Like four gospels and there's these 12, Like four gospels and there's these 12, there's these seven. Like there's these there's these seven. Like there's these there's these seven. Like there's these people who are close, dear friends of people who are close, dear friends of people who are close, dear friends of his. Even when you think about I mean his. Even when you think about I mean his. Even when you think about I mean David and Goliath gets one chapter, yet David and Goliath gets one chapter, yet David and Goliath gets one chapter, yet David and Jonathan spans over 16. That's David and Jonathan spans over 16. That's David and Jonathan spans over 16. That's a lot of real estate in here. Maybe God a lot of real estate in here. Maybe God a lot of real estate in here. Maybe God is trying to tell us something about is trying to tell us something about is trying to tell us something about friendships friendships friendships and they don't always start overnight.

and they don't always start overnight. and they don't always start overnight. But I just wonder if much like Jesus, But I just wonder if much like Jesus, But I just wonder if much like Jesus, Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and he did praying and he did friendships. he did praying and he did friendships. he did praying and he did friendships. But what if you just started committing But what if you just started committing But what if you just started committing yourself as you're learning to grow and yourself as you're learning to grow and yourself as you're learning to grow and to pray and to read the word. What if to pray and to read the word. What if to pray and to read the word. What if you started going, "This is a part of you started going, "This is a part of you started going, "This is a part of the Christian life and I'm just going to the Christian life and I'm just going to the Christian life and I'm just going to the next years commit myself to the next years commit myself to the next years commit myself to friendship. I have a discipline. It's friendship. I have a discipline. It's friendship. I have a discipline. It's just a one. It's a one-hour conversation just a one. It's a one-hour conversation just a one. It's a one-hour conversation with a friend each week. I don't go with a friend each week. I don't go with a friend each week. I don't go without it." And many times there's many without it." And many times there's many without it." And many times there's many of those, but just an hourlong of those, but just an hourlong of those, but just an hourlong conversation with a friend. It's just a conversation with a friend. It's just a conversation with a friend. It's just a discipline like when I pray or Sabbath discipline like when I pray or Sabbath discipline like when I pray or Sabbath or anything else like that. It's just or anything else like that. It's just or anything else like that. It's just one of the parts of following Jesus. one of the parts of following Jesus. one of the parts of following Jesus. It's cuz wait what he did. And what a It's cuz wait what he did. And what a It's cuz wait what he did. And what a gift. And how much more fun than gift. And how much more fun than gift. And how much more fun than fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's denial and then there's things that are denial and then there's things that are denial and then there's things that are for feasting. And what if just to be for feasting. And what if just to be for feasting. And what if just to be more like Jesus, we were to do something more like Jesus, we were to do something more like Jesus, we were to do something like that? like that? like that? Some of you would probably say, Tim, Some of you would probably say, Tim, Some of you would probably say, Tim, you're a pastor. If you're talking about you're a pastor. If you're talking about you're a pastor. If you're talking about friendships, you're probably going to friendships, you're probably going to friendships, you're probably going to mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, honestly, the all skate that we're honestly, the all skate that we're honestly, the all skate that we're invited into, I've been in a lot of invited into, I've been in a lot of invited into, I've been in a lot of D-groups and some of those are lifelong D-groups and some of those are lifelong D-groups and some of those are lifelong friends and other ones we journey friends and other ones we journey friends and other ones we journey together for a season and both of them together for a season and both of them together for a season and both of them are really good. But for us to ignore are really good. But for us to ignore are really good. But for us to ignore the all call waiting on God to like put the all call waiting on God to like put the all call waiting on God to like put a Jonathan right in front of us and not a Jonathan right in front of us and not a Jonathan right in front of us and not just be a part of community like he just be a part of community like he just be a part of community like he called us to. Listen, jump into a group called us to. Listen, jump into a group called us to. Listen, jump into a group if you're not. Or if you have been in a if you're not. Or if you have been in a if you're not. Or if you have been in a group for a long time, how about how group for a long time, how about how group for a long time, how about how about we start taking out our sword and about we start taking out our sword and about we start taking out our sword and just being real. Let's not waste just being real. Let's not waste just being real. Let's not waste anybody's time. Like everybody's too anybody's time. Like everybody's too anybody's time. Like everybody's too busy for that. What if it's it's a risk,

busy for that. What if it's it's a risk, busy for that. What if it's it's a risk, but what if you were just to be really but what if you were just to be really but what if you were just to be really known that so much so that they would known that so much so that they would known that so much so that they would know your weaknesses, they would know know your weaknesses, they would know know your weaknesses, they would know your celebrations, that they could fight your celebrations, that they could fight your celebrations, that they could fight for you. It's risky. But I just wonder for you. It's risky. But I just wonder for you. It's risky. But I just wonder I wonder I wonder I wonder there there's just a couple books there there's just a couple books there there's just a couple books because I feel like I've been on a because I feel like I've been on a because I feel like I've been on a journey the last eight years and I've journey the last eight years and I've journey the last eight years and I've read lots of books and and there's no read lots of books and and there's no read lots of books and and there's no like three little points but Jenny Allen like three little points but Jenny Allen like three little points but Jenny Allen find your people is one. It just the find your people is one. It just the find your people is one. It just the whole thing is about relationships. whole thing is about relationships. whole thing is about relationships. There's another one that just finished There's another one that just finished There's another one that just finished reading Justin Whitmail early made for reading Justin Whitmail early made for reading Justin Whitmail early made for people and he even talks about covenant people and he even talks about covenant people and he even talks about covenant friends in there. There's just ways like friends in there. There's just ways like friends in there. There's just ways like not today but like over the next years. not today but like over the next years. not today but like over the next years. What if you just started like this is What if you just started like this is What if you just started like this is supposed to be a part of our life. It's supposed to be a part of our life. It's supposed to be a part of our life. It's an invitation from the Lord to do this an invitation from the Lord to do this an invitation from the Lord to do this with people. with people. with people. And what if we were And what if we were And what if we were So the last thing I'll say is this. Um So the last thing I'll say is this. Um So the last thing I'll say is this. Um that feeling of loneliness that feeling of loneliness that feeling of loneliness that's not very pervasive in my life that's not very pervasive in my life that's not very pervasive in my life anymore. anymore. anymore. About eight years ago um I just started About eight years ago um I just started About eight years ago um I just started a journey and said if this is Jesus's a journey and said if this is Jesus's a journey and said if this is Jesus's life I'm going to do the same. And and I life I'm going to do the same. And and I life I'm going to do the same. And and I probably I would admit I think I've probably I would admit I think I've probably I would admit I think I've initiated a lot more than people have initiated a lot more than people have initiated a lot more than people have initiated with me. And that's okay. I initiated with me. And that's okay. I initiated with me. And that's okay. I know that men a lot of times don't know know that men a lot of times don't know know that men a lot of times don't know how to initiate or even reciprocate. And how to initiate or even reciprocate. And how to initiate or even reciprocate. And that's fine. I know what I want to be that's fine. I know what I want to be that's fine. I know what I want to be committed to and I'm just going to keep committed to and I'm just going to keep committed to and I'm just going to keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and it's it's actually one of showing up and it's it's actually one of showing up and it's it's actually one of the most life-giving things about my the most life-giving things about my the most life-giving things about my life now. thought like I can have life now. thought like I can have life now. thought like I can have amazing friendship with the Lord and amazing friendship with the Lord and amazing friendship with the Lord and time with him and church can be going time with him and church can be going time with him and church can be going well and family can be going well and well and family can be going well and well and family can be going well and yet if I don't have an hourlong yet if I don't have an hourlong yet if I don't have an hourlong conversation with a friend or if I don't conversation with a friend or if I don't conversation with a friend or if I don't ever get to be and celebrate with them

ever get to be and celebrate with them ever get to be and celebrate with them there's like almost a little bit of a there's like almost a little bit of a there's like almost a little bit of a hole in my heart because that's become hole in my heart because that's become hole in my heart because that's become so much of my life and I I think we're so much of my life and I I think we're so much of my life and I I think we're all invited into something like that. all invited into something like that. all invited into something like that. David and Jonathan is a beautiful story David and Jonathan is a beautiful story David and Jonathan is a beautiful story a beautiful story that maybe it is that a beautiful story that maybe it is that a beautiful story that maybe it is that we could live that out on this side of we could live that out on this side of we could live that out on this side of eternity. So, I ask the band to come on eternity. So, I ask the band to come on eternity. So, I ask the band to come on up and I'd love to pray for the people up and I'd love to pray for the people up and I'd love to pray for the people in this room and in the chapel right in this room and in the chapel right in this room and in the chapel right now. And even if you're at home, I'd now. And even if you're at home, I'd now. And even if you're at home, I'd like to pray for you as well, too. So, like to pray for you as well, too. So, like to pray for you as well, too. So, let's go before him. God, it's been a while since I've I've God, it's been a while since I've I've been on this campus, but um been on this campus, but um been on this campus, but um I was here long enough that I'm pretty I was here long enough that I'm pretty I was here long enough that I'm pretty sure that there's enough people, and it sure that there's enough people, and it sure that there's enough people, and it doesn't matter if they're in their 70s doesn't matter if they're in their 70s doesn't matter if they're in their 70s or if they're in their early teens, that or if they're in their early teens, that or if they're in their early teens, that they long for friendship. And maybe it sounds a little desperate And maybe it sounds a little desperate or down to even say that or put that or down to even say that or put that or down to even say that or put that into words, but that's where their heart into words, but that's where their heart into words, but that's where their heart there's an ache. There's a longing.

first as an invitation so that they first as an invitation so that they would know you because you're the one would know you because you're the one would know you because you're the one that satisfies. that satisfies. that satisfies. You're the fountain of living water that You're the fountain of living water that You're the fountain of living water that we're longing for. You're the ones who we're longing for. You're the ones who we're longing for. You're the ones who can know us and love us fully. So God, I pray that the people in the So God, I pray that the people in the room that they would they could stop room that they would they could stop room that they would they could stop scrolling scrolling scrolling and they [music] could turn their gaze and they [music] could turn their gaze and they [music] could turn their gaze towards you. towards you. towards you. an invitation to be [music] friends with an invitation to be [music] friends with an invitation to be [music] friends with the most high. God, I pray that we would be known as a God, I pray that we would be known as a people who walk with you. So, [snorts] people who walk with you. So, [snorts] people who walk with you. So, [snorts] so would [music] you do that? Don't let so would [music] you do that? Don't let so would [music] you do that? Don't let us settle for any surface level shallow relationship with you. shallow relationship with you. We want all of you, Lord, and we want to We want all of you, Lord, and we want to We want all of you, Lord, and we want to know you well. So I pray that that over know you well. So I pray that that over know you well. So I pray that that over these people and and I also just pray these people and and I also just pray these people and and I also just pray very practically some of us in this room very practically some of us in this room very practically some of us in this room we have been rejected. We don't have we have been rejected. We don't have we have been rejected. We don't have friends or or or close ones or we're friends or or or close ones or we're friends or or or close ones or we're surrounded by people but it's not of the surrounded by people but it's not of the surrounded by people but it's not of the same heart and mind and David and same heart and mind and David and same heart and mind and David and Jonathan feels like a very far cry.

Jonathan feels like a very far cry. Jonathan feels like a very far cry. So God would you So God would you So God would you would you show us what's next? would you show us what's next? would you show us what's next? Would [music] you give courage and faith Would [music] you give courage and faith Would [music] you give courage and faith over rejection? over rejection? over rejection? I pray that there would not be a lonely I pray that there would not be a lonely I pray that there would not be a lonely person, a person of need in our midst person, a person of need in our midst person, a person of need in our midst because you would begin [music] to meet because you would begin [music] to meet because you would begin [music] to meet that. God, would you let community swell that. God, would you let community swell that. God, would you let community swell up in this place? Let it be a a up in this place? Let it be a a up in this place? Let it be a a signature of our lives and of our signature of our lives and of our signature of our lives and of our church. church. church. This example that you've put in the This example that you've put in the This example that you've put in the scriptures, we we want to live that out scriptures, we we want to live that out scriptures, we we want to live that out and we don't know exactly how. So, if and we don't know exactly how. So, if and we don't know exactly how. So, if you'll lead, Lord, we're listening you'll lead, Lord, we're listening you'll lead, Lord, we're listening [music] and we'll obey and follow. Lord, [music] and we'll obey and follow. Lord, [music] and we'll obey and follow. Lord, we love you. We just want to abide with we love you. We just want to abide with we love you. We just want to abide with you. We want to walk with you and we you. We want to walk with you and we you. We want to walk with you and we don't want to miss anything you have for don't want to miss anything you have for don't want to miss anything you have for us. [music] So I pray that in Jesus us. [music] So I pray that in Jesus us. [music] So I pray that in Jesus name. Amen. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We [music] are blessed to reach of God. We [music] are blessed to reach of God. We [music] are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want [music] to needing prayer or you want [music] to needing prayer or you want [music] to talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.

fellowshipar.com/cont. fellowshipar.com/cont. [music] [music] [music] Have a great week.