SATURDAY July 20, 2019
An Emotional Goodbye
As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so. Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.
1 Samuel 20:41-42
Jonathan had shot a final arrow and shouted, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” This signaled to David the necessity to flee from Saul. Jonathan had the lad fetch all his arrows and carry them back to the city causing him to remain unaware of the situation. David came out from his hiding place and humbled himself before Jonathan.
David was truly hurting on the inside because he knew there was a possibility he might never see Jonathan again. As they embraced and wept we see an incredible picture of a true friendship. Can you imagine the emotional state between the two of them? Jonathan and David were close friends who were separated by Saul’s mad jealousy and murderous motives, and their hearts just broke. It is very hard to say goodbye to close friends––real true friends.David would flee––run for ten years.
Jonathan’s and David’s parting words were beautiful: “Go in peace… may the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.” David left and Jonathan went into the city.
May we learn to cherish our friendships. As we establish and build these relationships, we should never be moved by self-interest but by a sincere love for one another. We need to love each other as true friends so our friendships will be lasting––forever.
It is best to be with those in time we hope to be with in eternity.
~Thomas Fuller~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!