Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Is God a Companion or an Acquaintance?”

“By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MSG

Language is a funny thing—and when you consider what a great and wonderful gift we have been given by God to be able to communicate, be it verbally or through literature, it never ceases to amaze me how we continue to mis-communicate! One of the things that I have discovered in my studies of the Word, is the problem we can have with words. Words that we think we know and understand but in truth, fall flat when put to the test. One of those is found in the text above and it is the word companion. Look how the various “versions” interpret this verse. The NIV uses “relative.” The New American Standard and The Amplified Bible translate it as, “intimate friend.” The New King James uses the word(s), “nearest kin.” And the New Living Translation says, “…make insight a beloved member of your family.”
So given the number of very good choices, why “companion” as the best word or interpretation here? Maybe it is not so much as what the Proverb says as it is to add what the “Teacher” says in the book Ecclesiastes. “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.” Take a few minutes to really think that through and you will understand the power behind that statement!
The word companion (or friend) in our language is not a strong one. In fact, even the word friend in our language can be mis-used and misunderstood. For example, in many parts of the world a person we would consider a friend would be thought of only as a mere acquaintance. Someone we know of but maybe do not know much about whereas a “friend” would be someone who is as close as if not closer than a brother or sister. Consider the companionship (friendship) that existed between David and Jonathan. They were in every sense of the word, “best friends.”

“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.” – 1st Samuel 18:1-3 (NIV)

Jonathan was the oldest son of king Saul and first in line to assume the role as the next king of Israel. There is only one problem—because of Saul’s arrogance and disobedience God had rejected Saul and had Samuel the prophet anoint David as the next king—something that was not lost on Jonathan. And yet despite this fact, he was willing to give up his future as the king in order to protect David from his father. That is what I would call the true definition of companionship. So, here is the question of the day: “Is God a companion, or a mere acquaintance?” We know He cares about us—He gave His Son so that we might have eternal life. Are we giving anything back to Him? Would we sacrifice for God as much as Jonathan did for David? An acquaintance only knows a person by name. A companion cares about who that person is and is willing to go the extra mile with them if necessary. An acquaintance will use someone’s name only as a point of reference and often to boost their own self-significance. A Companion will protect that person’s name and reputation at all costs. An acquaintance’s loyalty will only be as strong and enduring as the situation calls for. If fortune turns sour the chance of the relationship being severed greatly increases. Not so for one who is a companion. A Companion’s loyalty is a lasting bond! Finally, the biggest difference between an acquaintance and a companion: It comes down to “investment.” If you do not have much invested into something (or someone) how deep will your loyalty be? God invested everything into us!! How much are we willing to invest back?
Pastor J. T. Carnell