Phil Fischer with Jesus Lives – A Devotion on “Iron Sharpens Iron”
Friends are essential. They are a comfort in times of difficulty and a source of joy during times of fellowship. God created man with a need for relationships, so it is no surprise that Jesus had a close circle of friends (Peter, James, John). Throughout the Bible there are examples of friendship: Elijah and Elisha, Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, and Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are just a few that come to mind.
The depth of a friendship varies. We may have a companion who watches sports events with us or who tags along on day trips to the coast, but never are the mysteries of Christ discussed. Enjoying lunch out and a movie can be entertaining but without sharing deeply, a relationship is superficial at best.
We are called to abide in Christ. This is a continuous awareness of God’s presence and conversations should therefore be mixed with the seasoning salt of Christ. Upon observing a beautiful sunset, those who abide in Christ may say, God is a mighty artist! God is never far from thought and glory is given to the Creator. Upon hearing about horrible natural disasters, close friends will bow their heads in agreement and pray for those in the midst of a struggle. The friendships I value most are the ones that sharpen me. I learn from their thoughts and find encouragement in their words. In turn, I do the same for them. We sharpen each other.
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
In Old Testament times, one iron blade was used to sharpen another blade until both became more effective tools. It would be impossible for one tool to become sharper without the presence of the other. Left alone, both blades would be dull and useless.
This Old Testament proverb contains an object of the sharpening action. One person can be used by God to help the other. The incentive here was to be mutually beneficial. Both pieces of iron work together to accomplish the desired intent. That was the motivation. Both items needed sharpening. God expects us to live and serve in a community of other believers and He desires for us to build loving and growing relationships with others.
The friendship between David and Jonathan is to be admired. Their souls were knit together. The Bible speaks of a friend who is closer than a (blood) brother. Jonathan risked his life interceding for David before King Saul, who sought to kill David. After Jonathan’s death, David wrote a lament for his friend: Jonathan lies slain on your heights. / I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; / you were very dear to me. Their friendship was stronger than David’s relationship with any of his brothers.
“Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” 1 Sam. 18:1-3 (NKJV)
“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain in your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me; Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.” 2 Samuel 1:25-26
Years after Jonathan’s death, David summoned Jonathon’s son Mephibosheth to court:
“’Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (2 Samuel 9:7, NIV)
With friendship we have accountability. When we know a friend has our best interest at heart, we can accept their rebukes and instruction. Friends may indeed wound us at times, but we can understand and appreciate their genuine motives.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)
“Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV)
Do you have friends who sharpen you… friends you can count on in times of trouble? I hope so! They are truly gifts from God and a means to grow closer to the Savior!
“ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 (NKJV)
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