2 Samuel 20:23-26  Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard. Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. Sheva was the court secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests. And Ira, a descendant of Jair, was David’s personal priest. (NLT)

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The men named in this paragraph each have a story worth knowing. However, the story they tell here is more about King David than them. 

David was wise enough to know that he did not have the leadership capacity in himself to do everything necessary to lead a nation. It is foolish for any leader to think he or she has the gravitas, wisdom, and perspective to apply equal measures of competence in all things. Any leader who tries is a leader you know will fail sooner than they expect and harder than they imagine.

You and I are not kings and queens. Even so, we each need a handful of people we trust who will love us enough to tell us the truth, provide strength where we are weak, and give advice that seeks our highest good. 

This text tells us about eight leaders with specific duties. Who are your eight wise friends who can help you stay in step with God and in favor with others? Who lifts you, empowers you, cautions you, counsels you, and warns you? Who do you need to invite into your circles of influence who will shape your life with their wisdom and courage, strength and character?

Go to 2 Samuel 21:15-17 and see where David would have been without a friend in a tight space. Friends save our lives, our souls, and our hopes and dreams. They comfort us when we experience loss. They shelter us in storms. They give us laughter when we need it and joy when we share it. 

You and I will never be at our best without dependable friends.

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I will cultivate friends who will make me better in all the right ways.

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Our Father, I was pleasantly surprised yesterday by a friend at the airport. I had breakfast this morning with two friends who are wiser than I am. I will see a new friend in the next hour. We will spend two days with new friends from all over the Washington, D.C. area. Help us establish and deepen relationships that will make us all smarter, better, and faster. Amen.