1 Kings 4:1-19 “Valuing Structure & Friends”
“Now King Solomon was king over all Israel. These were his officials:…” (1-2a). While Solomon was installed as the king of Israel, those who served beside him were keys to the strength and breadth of his kingdom. Each tended differing responsibilities, but one stands out to me in this context: “…and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend;” (5b). This son of Nathan was a key man. Nathan was the prophet who spoke directive, supportive and sometimes corrective words to David. While there were many good leaders surrounding Solomon, Zabud stands out to me as his friend. Some in the church today lack healthy supportive leadership, but even more in this group lack true friends. David had Jonathan the son of Saul, but he also had the prophet Nathan who not only provided direction, but also correction. All leaders are in need of such friends. May God grant us the wisdom to embrace friends who care enough for us to speak truth to us. Without friends we lack the support needed to remain healthy leaders.
