Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“And Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.” I Chronicles 27:32b

Early in the year the United States went through the ritual of installing a new president, and with him, a host of government appointees. Every four years, the federal government produces the book, U.S. Government Policy and Supporting Positions, better known as The Plum Book. According to The Plum Book, 7,078 positions have to be filled by the new administration. “The Plum Book is used to identify presidentially appointed positions within the Federal Government.” Of the positions, 1,118 will require Senate confirmation.

I Chronicles is an early version of “The Plum Book” for the nation of Israel. It consists of various chapters giving a list of leadership positions within the nation of Israel. Chapter 27 gives a final list of other civic officials such as who is over king’s treasuries, over components of agriculture, the military and major counselors for King David.

A key position that is not included in the American Plum Book is the role of friend. However, in the midst of all the key government appointees for King David was the title “friend” given to Hushai. We know very little about Hushai but we do know that he was worthy of the title friend. David had many close companions and loyal follower, but only a few friends.

David understood the role God had given him but he also understood the necessity of godly spiritual friends and counselors in his life. David understood the importance and power of friendships. He understood that “the heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (Prov. 27:9)

Jonathan was that soul-friend for David. Scripture tells us that, “the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (I Samuel 18:1). Jonathan took his role as friend seriously, even at the risk of his own life. When pressured by his own father to reveal David’s hideout, he refused to the point that “Saul threw his spear at him to strike him.” (I Sam20:33a)

David’s inner circle included two close friends, Ahithophel and Hushai. Only Hushai had the title friend. David’s so-called friend, Ahithophel, betrayed him in his lowest moment (2 Samuel 17). Ahithophel used his position of influence with David for his own personal self-seeking opportunity. Hushai used his position of influence with David to protect and help his friend.

“Both served the king, but each had different motives. The opportunist works for his own glory, but the servant for that of his master.” (William MacDonald) Hushai earned his title, friend, by walking with David through some of his most difficult experiences. Hushai was ready to go into exile with his friend and lose everything. (2 Samuel 15:32). However, he willingly stayed behind to `became David’s spy when asked and was able to defeat “the counsel of Ahithophel.”

Aelred of Rievaulx said of friendship, “What happiness, what security, what joy to have someone to whom you dare to speak on terms of equality as to another self; one to whom you need have no fear to confess your failings; one to whom you can unblushingly make known what progress you have made in the spiritual life; one to whom you can entrust all the secrets of your heart and before whom you can place all your plans!”

Tuesday, June 8, marks National Best Friend Day. It might be a good day to send a note to a friend on how important they are in your life. Spend some time praying for your friends who have been there for you over the years. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that, “wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (27:6) These are the friends you need most in life because they speak truth and wisdom into your life. Unlike Job’s friends, true friends hold the rope in the midst of storms.

Jesus understood what it means to be a friend and what it is to be a friend of the King of Kings in John 15. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me…. This is my command: Love each other.” (15:13-15,17)

“What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

 

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.” (What a Friend We Have in Jesus, vvs 1&2)

 

God is great,

Pastor Lynn