I woke up a little later than usual this morning, having been pretty tired last night. And I am also preaching a new series of sermons this week, in the Revival. That means lots of necessary study time! But still, the Lord has laid a little verse of Scripture on my mind, or my heart. It sure is sweet to the taste, as well!

Just half a verse, really. From the wisdom God gave Solomon, Proverbs 18:24. “And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Wow!

The noun “friend” translates “ahab,” which means one who loves you. As in: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

The verb “sticketh” is translated by “dabek,” the word in Hebrew for “glue.” Defined more precisely in my lexicon: “to cleave to, to join.” Pretty close!

And while we all know that “brothers” do not always get along (think David’s family or the prodigal and his sibling) … our Friend will never forsake or fight or disown us! Or anything else disloyal!

Amazing!

I don’t know what else to say today.

Maybe just the verse again:

“There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

If you are discouraged.

If someone you thought would always “stick” with you has gone.

If your heart is heavy.

Think about Jesus today!

A lot!

He will never leave you.

Cultivate the habit of talking with Him, to him.

Of telling Him you are grateful for His Love!

Once all Jesus’ Friends forsook Him and fled. When He was arrested. See Mark 14:50 and Matthew 26:56, both passages recording the same event.

But never once has Jesus forsaken a friend!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Today try to grieve less about the one who “left” you.

And delight more in the One Who did not leave!

Praise the Lord.

Therein is encouragement!