READ: 2 SAMUEL 12:15-23
Jonathan met David in
the woods and encouraged him. He told him his father will not succeed in
killing him. At the end of the day, his reason for coming was because he wanted
to be second in command. It is natural for people who claim to love you to do
so out of a selfish motive. It is only God who loves you unconditionally. “Greater
love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”
(John 15:13).
In the story of the prodigal son, we are told that when his father was rejoicing and celebrating his return, his elder brother was angry (Luke 15:25-30). It is during times of trouble or crisis that you will discover your true friend or relative. Many come only when they can get from you. During the trial of Job, most of his relations and friends avoided him like the plague. But after his restoration, they started returning again. For what? Maybe to continue lavishing his money.
Have friends deserted you in times of trouble? Have your relatives forsaken you when you needed them the most? Take heart. God has just made you to know those who are really your friends and relatives. It is only Jesus that can stay by you always. If you do not have Him as a friend, you do not yet enjoy friendship in the sense of the word. Receive Jesus into your heart today. In our reading, we see the limitations of a father’s love. David prayed and fasted when his son was sick. But when the child died, he had reached his limits. He washed himself and began to eat. Only Jesus can stay with you even after death.
“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1). Jesus is the only One who can go with you through the shadow of death. He will be with you in the fire and flood (Isaiah 43:2). When He forgives you of past sins, He does not remember them anymore. When you remind Him that you committed certain sins in the past, He will tell you He has forgiven you, and no more has records of your sins. You too having experienced this selfless love ought to love Jesus selflessly.
In the story of the prodigal son, we are told that when his father was rejoicing and celebrating his return, his elder brother was angry (Luke 15:25-30). It is during times of trouble or crisis that you will discover your true friend or relative. Many come only when they can get from you. During the trial of Job, most of his relations and friends avoided him like the plague. But after his restoration, they started returning again. For what? Maybe to continue lavishing his money.
Have friends deserted you in times of trouble? Have your relatives forsaken you when you needed them the most? Take heart. God has just made you to know those who are really your friends and relatives. It is only Jesus that can stay by you always. If you do not have Him as a friend, you do not yet enjoy friendship in the sense of the word. Receive Jesus into your heart today. In our reading, we see the limitations of a father’s love. David prayed and fasted when his son was sick. But when the child died, he had reached his limits. He washed himself and began to eat. Only Jesus can stay with you even after death.
“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1). Jesus is the only One who can go with you through the shadow of death. He will be with you in the fire and flood (Isaiah 43:2). When He forgives you of past sins, He does not remember them anymore. When you remind Him that you committed certain sins in the past, He will tell you He has forgiven you, and no more has records of your sins. You too having experienced this selfless love ought to love Jesus selflessly.
MEMORIZE: JOHN
15:13 –Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends.
