The Treasure of a Friend like Zabud
“Azariam the son of Nathan was over the officers, Zabud the son of Nathan was a priest and king's friend.” 1 Kings 4:5 (ESV)
Not sure how familiar you are with Zabud, one of King Solomon's high officials. While listening to a recent podcast, the mention of Zabud, buried within the main point of the conversation, struck a chord within me. Often when this happens, I take a deep dive into the Bible in search of a nugget of wisdom and, ultimately, find a blessing from God. My search on Zabud did not disappoint.
As the son of Nathan, who was an advisor and prophet to King David, Zabud followed in his father’s footsteps. He was named a priest and friend of King Solomon. This mention is in the middle of the list of King Solomon's officials and the only one described as a friend. He actually served two roles— a priest and a friend. This brings to mind a few friends who have a dual purpose in my life. I’m over the moon with what a blessing from God they are.
The sparks that ignited these friendships are so unlikely that it's easy to recognize God’s hand at work in bringing us together and then nurturing them into something rare and precious. These friends both have a dual purpose in my life and have similar traits to Zabud: they are trustworthy, faithful, wise, and, as a bonus, a lot of fun. They often make me laugh, even when discussing serious topics or sharing our worries.
Have you ever evaluated what type of friend you are to others? I recognize, at least in myself far too often, I’m quick to notice what type of friend someone is to me, but not always ask, what kind of friend am I?
Here are some things to ponder when it comes to friendship:
Do we give our friends an open door to speak wisdom to us?
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” - Proverbs 27:9
Do we pray for and with our friends, and ask for their prayers?
“When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as before.”
- Job 42:10
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” - Job 16:20-21
Do we encourage our friends?
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
As the Irish blessing goes: “May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.” I love making new friends, but there is something so sweet about the friends we have held for decades.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Your life on earth taught us much about friendship. You kept a few very close, forgave when they disappointed and even betrayed You, and You prayed for them. May we learn and be encouraged to be a friend who loves at all times as You did. I pray for those who are longing for a close trustworthy friend as at times in life we need a new friend due to life circumstances. Would you open their eyes and place just the right person in their path? In Jesus’ name, Amen!
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.