Closer Than Brothers

Behind every hero is an unsung protector. Likewise, for every great leader there is a mentor and friend. He is the wind for that leader's sails and the navigator for his course. Such was Jonathan for David. Jonathan had everything going for him. He was the eldest son of the first king of Israel. He had wealth and power. Yet he saw in a younger man potential beyond anything he himself could be. He used his influence and prestige to help David become a great man, warrior and eventually king in his place. That was true friendship, even to the point of risking his life for that friendship. Jonathan wanted to honor his father, but he could not condone his father's actions. He wanted to honor his friendship with David, but that friendship constantly put him at odds with his father and his position as heir to the throne. Such was his conflict. Yet he was able to live his life with integrity. God had a plan. David was "a man after God's own heart." Through David's lineage would come God's ultimate plan, the Savior, Jesus. But just as David was God's man, so I believe Jonathan was God's man for God's man, and a friend, Closer Than Brothers