Go After God's HeartSample

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In this next chapter, 1 Samuel 20, we see a series of events play out that led David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son, to become confidants. David thought Saul wanted to kill him, and Jonathan thought his father probably just had a little temper. Yet, when it became clear to them both that Saul was serious about Killing David, they vowed friendship and clung together. In fact, verse 41 says after hiding from Saul they wept together—but David wept more.

When we’re up against the reality of life, we need friends like Jonathan to stick up for us. When we can’t figure out whether or why our small group matters, we need friends like David to guide us. When the people we serve let us down, we need friends like David to weep with us.

As a leader of people, you need a confidant who’s worthy of the trust of the people you’re leading. Likewise, your confidant should be someone who you’d follow too. David and Jonathan’s model of friendship was integral to their success and the success an entire country. When you support someone as Jonathan supported David, you not only underpin their life but also the lives of people they lead. Without Jonathan, would we have the rest of David’s story? Don’t miss that even Christ was born of David’s lineage. Their friendship extends throughout history to you and to the people you lead. You may be a “small” group leader, but when you befriend other leaders to go after God’s heart, that's no small thing.

Leader Tip: Leaders need leaders who know them as friends.