When David finally became king, he could have done anything he wanted, but what he remember his best friend, Jonathan, who had died in battle. So, David asked if anybody from Jonathan’s family was still alive. There was! Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth (try to say that three times fast!), who couldn’t walk and was living far away, forgotten by everyone. So King David sent for him.

Now imagine being Mephibosheth. Soldiers show up at your door and announce that the king wants to see you. Back then, a new king usually got rid of the old king’s family. Mephibosheth had every reason to be terrified.

But instead, David announced that he was showing him kindness “for Jonathan’s sake.” Then he gave him land and told him he’d eat at the king’s table from then on, like one of David’s own sons. Why? Because David never forgot his friend. Jonathan had protected David back when David had nothing, and years later, David honored that friendship even though Jonathan was gone.

Jesus does the same for us, only bigger. He called His disciples His friends, and then gave up everything for people who couldn’t do a thing for Him.

Think About It: David could have easily said, “Eh, that was a long time ago.” Instead he went looking for a way to be loyal. Is there a friend you’ve drifted away from? A cousin you never call? Somebody who was really good to you once, and you never said thanks? Ask God to make you the kind of friend who remembers.