S) "10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away."
Proverbs 27:10 (NASB)
O) It's worth noting that Solomon's father was King David. So, while this verse is pretty straight-forward instruction, putting it in context gives it a little more room for application. David's friends would have fallen into one of two camps: political or close. In a similar way, King Solomon's would have been the same, purposefully proposed friendships, or closely trusted confidants. It's also worth noting that Solomon's ascension to the throne was contested by his brother Adonijah, with the apparent support of his other brothers (see SOAP 05/16/2014). This is also beyond Absolom, who sought to usurp the kingdom from their father, David. So, during the period when Solomon was taking the throne, he discovered the truth as expressed in the above verse. This is really pointing out that we cannot assume familial support, but we should welcome the authentic support of those who will give it.
A) I had a lot of trouble applying this verse to my life for a long time. First of all, when I was growing up, my brothers were my closest friends. When I became a dad and started serving God again, my oldest brother (Joshua) was - without hyperbole - the best example of what it means that Jesus is our oldest brother (the first heir, as we are co-heirs with him; see Romans 8:16-17). Shortly after that, I moved to the same town as him, literally 5 doors down from him in the same apartment building. That made him a God-fearing, friend, and neighbor. Then, as we grew in Christ together, we moved into separate areas of the same town, so we were never very far apart. He was easily the closest counsel I had, and continued to be a blessing to my life for all of those 5 years. Then I moved back home, up to Washington. I soon felt the absence of my brother and close friend. It was easy enough to stay in touch, but I still felt the distance. Before we moved, though, Kristin and I prayed, again and again, for God to provide the ways for us to move, including establishing, and leading us to, our new church home. It wasn't long before we found Canyon Hills Community Church, and shortly after that, we were in our Life Group. Over and over, we saw the fruit that evinced God's hand in it all. But, until a few weeks ago, I didn't see the above verse lived-out. The men in my Life Group have made deliberate decisions to become more authentic, accountable, and vulnerable with each other. I recently had a very, very difficult conversation with my dad, and I reached out to one of them for help (Andrew). God proved Himself faithful again, using him to speak the exact truth, encouragement, and counsel I needed to hear. I am excited to see what God can do through my new friendships, how He might use us to bless each other.
A) I had a lot of trouble applying this verse to my life for a long time. First of all, when I was growing up, my brothers were my closest friends. When I became a dad and started serving God again, my oldest brother (Joshua) was - without hyperbole - the best example of what it means that Jesus is our oldest brother (the first heir, as we are co-heirs with him; see Romans 8:16-17). Shortly after that, I moved to the same town as him, literally 5 doors down from him in the same apartment building. That made him a God-fearing, friend, and neighbor. Then, as we grew in Christ together, we moved into separate areas of the same town, so we were never very far apart. He was easily the closest counsel I had, and continued to be a blessing to my life for all of those 5 years. Then I moved back home, up to Washington. I soon felt the absence of my brother and close friend. It was easy enough to stay in touch, but I still felt the distance. Before we moved, though, Kristin and I prayed, again and again, for God to provide the ways for us to move, including establishing, and leading us to, our new church home. It wasn't long before we found Canyon Hills Community Church, and shortly after that, we were in our Life Group. Over and over, we saw the fruit that evinced God's hand in it all. But, until a few weeks ago, I didn't see the above verse lived-out. The men in my Life Group have made deliberate decisions to become more authentic, accountable, and vulnerable with each other. I recently had a very, very difficult conversation with my dad, and I reached out to one of them for help (Andrew). God proved Himself faithful again, using him to speak the exact truth, encouragement, and counsel I needed to hear. I am excited to see what God can do through my new friendships, how He might use us to bless each other.
P) Father, thank You for providing new relationships in my life! Help me also, to faithfully serve these friends, who are nearer than my brothers. Help us to be unified by the Holy Spirit within us, to serve each other in love, humility, and honesty. Remind us to pray for one another, and to bear one another up, to become as true brothers in Christ. Bless these friendships, that they would glorify Your name, and honor You, our Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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