THE GREAT CENTER
«Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God» (l John 4:7)
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED how David and Jonathan’s friendship was able to grow in spite of the obstacles that this relationship faced?
Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne of Saul, his father. But God chose David to reign over His people. That fact alone would have embittered anybody else, but not Jonathan. In addition, Saul hated David to death. Wouldn’t that have been a good reason for Jonathan to look favorably on getting rid of David and thus have the way to his throne cleared?
But none of that crossed Jonathan’s mind. On the contrary. His appreciation for David became so noble that, once, while David was fleeing from Saul’s wrath, Jonathan told him, «Do not fear [David], for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you» (l Samuel 23:17).
What a noble spirit! Jonathan did not mind being second to the throne if his friend, David, was in first place. This attitude was certainly not the most popular in those days, and it is not popular in our days either. Because, who wants to be in second place? So where did that degree of loyalty between them come from? According to Neil S. Wilson, the loyalty that bound that beautiful friendship was in great measure a result of how much each of them loved God.
The authors words make sense. In fact, in the midst of so much conflict around them, how else could that friendship have survived? Both David and Jonathan deeply loved God, which is why there could not be any envy or jealousy between them!
This is a lesson worth taking into account as we interact with others: no friendship—or marriage or courtship—can ever grow if each person involved does not personally seek God. That is precisely what todays verse tells us: everyone who loves «knows God.»
Can you imagine all the good things that would come about in our personal relationships if, on our own, each of us would seek God? And what about our homes? The key is found in The Desire of Ages, ch. 30, p. 296.May Christ be the great center of our lives, for as we draw near to Him, we will also draw nearer to each other.
Heavenly Father, please bless those I love most in this life.
May each of us seek You individually each day, to be able to meet the Lord Jesus Christ at the very center.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate