A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov. 17:17.
We have a striking instance of genuine and uninterrupted friendship which mutually subsisted between David and Jonathan. How affecting is that pathetic, mournful exclamation of David, when friendship's sweet bands were dissolved in death! "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." 2 Sam. 1:26. Who can read this plaintive note without sympathy?
But though their love and friendship never abated in the dark scenes of adversity, but was alike at all times, death put a period to its existence. Natural friendship extends not beyond the confines of the grave. But we have a Friend who ever lives and always loves. The most exalted friendship, compared to his, diminishes in glory as the light of the brightest star when the sun appears. Is not Jesus this Friend who loveth at all times? Yea, before time commenced his love existed to his church. Every member was loved by him, and given to him of the Father. When he saw them polluted in their blood, defiled with sin, and loathsome in their persons; yet, (O wonderful!) that was the time of love; he passed by, his eye saw, his heart loved, and his lips said, Live. Dost thou live by faith on the Son of God? This is the effect of love, known and manifested. But, dost thou find daily that thou art a poor sinner? and art therefore grieved, and thinkest thou shalt weary out the love of thy Friend? No; that cannot be, he loveth at all times. Jesus is the "Brother born for adversity," to comfort in and support under it. Now thou art in an adverse state. The world, the flesh, and the devil are against thee. But thy Friend is above, engaged for thee. He is stronger than all. Though in dangers oft, yet always safe. Jesus was born to suffer adversity for his brethren. A friend, and a brother, makes one's sorrows and sufferings his own. So did Jesus. Our sins were his, he "bore them in his own body." "He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows."
And did he love before time? Does he love at all times? Then what shall separate from his love? "In all things we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us." As Jesus' power is equal to his love, death, which parts the dearest friends, and dissolves the sweetest friendships below, shall introduce us to the nearest enjoyment of Him, our best Friend and glorified Redeemer above: for he says, "Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." John 17:24.
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