You've got a friend in me
Toy Story 4 is the big summer movie! The brilliant animation, lovable characters and great storytelling is loved by both children and adults. One of its key ingredients is the long lasting friendship between cowboy Woody and space ranger Buzz Lightyear! This friendship reminded me of something I read in the Bible... In the Old Testament, the two books of ‘Chronicles’ are an ordered record of the Kings of Judah and Israel. Like credits at the end of a film, the last part of 1 Chronicles is a list of King David’s military and tribal leaders, royal staff and advisers. Near the end it mentions a man called Hushai the Archite...
“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counsellor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.”
In this list of over 30 men, only Hushai is called the king’s friend! I love that it is recorded like that in the Bible! David was a great king, with many people serving him, but only one person is described as his friend. There must have been something very special about Hushai! True friendship is precious. These kind of people are those who you feel totally relaxed with, you can say anything because of the deep bond of love and trust. Whatever happens in life, you know they will stand with you. In my life, I have a few people who are friends like this. They are a gift from God, I love them and highly value their deep, longstanding, committed friendship. Who do you have that kind of friendship with, who is your ‘Hushai the Archite’, and who can you be that to as well?
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader