THE WEIGHT OF FRIENDSHIP

§  Honor The Authority

The prince took laws into his hands when he decided to follow his friend's crooked plans to disobey the law of the LORD which governed Israel as well as the king. Little wonder he could not tell the king, his father about the strange desires he had for his relation. Lev. 20:17.  To fulfill the number of your days avoid every act that brings you against the laws of God and governing bodies. These laws have consequences if disobeyed. Disobedience leads to your hurt in spirit, soul, and body.

§  Act Fast Before It’s Too Late

Uproot strange desires before they take root in your heart and become fully formed. Guard your heart above all else, for out of it flows the issues of life Prov. 4:23. Take responsibility for the thoughts you permit. When evil thoughts come, knock them out immediately with the word of the LORD. Unbecoming thoughts are sure to knock on the door of your heart, only be sure not to open the door of your life, let alone entertaining them. Dig them out before it digs your untimely grave. Expose evil, never cover up evil let alone walking in it. Don't be a workman for the devil, because he pays with only death and destruction.

§  Fathers Are Amazing

Neglect the role of fatherhood in your life and you amount to nothing in life. The prince undermined the place of his father. His father, the king had the power to help him stay responsibly married to the girl of his dreams without going through the way of deceit. The father loved him, but he could not trust the father over the matter of his heart. He refused the fatherly to the role, having been where he was. Issues of the heart are meant for the fathers to counsel and direct as the case may be. As we sojourn in life, it is important to note and reckon with the role of the fathers in your life.

§  The Influence of Friendship 

Take thought of your motives before acting, even though it may appear as though Jonadab is the cook of the deadly plan, but it seems to be as if the prince was ready anyway to fulfill his heart desires. He knew there was no other way to get close to Tamar his sister. There is a saying that, "birds of the same feather flock together". They two have robbed completely on each other so much that they now share similar thoughts over the same issue. choose wisely. Who you flock with, whoever you mingle with will influence you positively or negatively?

§  Nothing Just Happens

Taking note of history and learning is expedient for our progress in life. The previous chapter of the same book records a similar event around his father with Bathsheba from which one would expect him to learn, being a member of the royal family. When events of life happen around us, it is important to first pick quality lessons for our own lives, and not become a judge or cast a fault. It is wise to learn from other's experiences. Avoid falling into the ditch, rather than fall into the ditch and trying to find a way out. That may be far too expensive to recover from. Learning from the errors and successes of those ahead of us gives us leverage in life, and an opportunity to excel more than they did. Make your generation great!  

§  Who is Your Friend?

This Jonadab was referred to as being crafty, the same word that was used to describe the devil in Gen. 3:1. He was someone who could achieve his aims through deceitful ways. The prince chose wrongly. I am not sure on what basis he made Jonadab a friend. But that single decision of friendship decided the end of Amnon. They have both accepted each other’s lifestyles over time. Someone who could not be who trusted. This should not be your friend except you want trouble. A good friend should be trustworthy and a person of integrity. Name the characteristics of your friend, both their strength and weaknesses and decide today if you are ready to continue in friendship.

§  What Are You Becoming?

Your daily routines form the habits you have today, and those habits are the attributes that characterize you, and before long it becomes your personality. What are you known for? Stop, ask questions before you act today. Emotions don’t last forever. Once I heard a lady talk about her decision-making process, how it is best to wait and take some time before making the final decision. It is better to take some time and get it right than go in haste to fulfill your desires. Check and make sure you are not desperate over any matter.

§  Take Responsibility For Your Own

Protect those of your household, don’t take advantage of anyone because they are under you today or because you have the authority on your side. Remember that what you do or don’t do will form the story of other people’s lives. God wants you to be your brother’s keeper. Continue to seek ways to put smiles on somebody’s face, help a neighbor, make that person better than you met them in your word and actions. Show some love today. Gain people's trust. Protect your family,  friends, and loved ones. Always make sure to make a positive mark on your friends and everyone in your sphere of influence. 

 

Shalom!