Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
The Value of Godly Friendships
Today’s Audio Devotion:
The Value of Godly Friendships
King Solomon wrote insightful words about the power and value of friendship (Proverbs 18:24; 27:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We have to wonder if his words were inspired by the youthful experiences of his father, David—especially the idea that “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Apparently, David was not particularly close to his older brothers (1 Samuel 17:28-29). He was, however, very close to King Saul’s son, Jonathan, with whom he seemed to have formed a covenant (protective) bond (1 Samuel 20). Their relationship is reflected by Jonathan’s words to David: “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you” (1 Samuel 20:4).
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon describes the ways that “two are better than one”: teamwork (verse 9), help (verse 10), provision (verse 11), and strength (verse 12). But Solomon also notes the prerequisite for having such a close friend: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” That is, it takes one to know one.
Close friendships develop over time. Begin today by being the kind of friend you would like to have in your life.
Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends?
C. S. Lewis
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).