November 12, 2010

"King Solomon was king over all Israel, and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king's friend;" ~ 1 Kings 4:1-5 (ESV)

The text above reveals a portion of the officials that served King Solomon. It’s a roster of both names and functions. In fact the list continues well beyond verse 5 and it outlines spiritual, military, domestic, and personal support that the King received. As I read through this text this week I was stopped cold by the closing statement of verse 5. Zabud, a son of Nathan was not only a priest, but he was additionally identified as the "king’s friend." This is especially powerful when you realize what is stated later in that very same chapter about Solomon:

"And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom." ~ 1 Kings 4:29-30, 34 (ESV)

The wealth and wisdom of Solomon is well documented, but stature, success, prestige and power didn’t alleviate his need for a friend. Zabud, a priest, a spiritual advisor was also Solomon’s friend. In fact, this is the only mention of Zabud in scripture. Solomon, on the other hand, was front and center; the focal point of significant cultural, spiritual and political shifts and changes in Israel. But Zabud was there; a priest and a friend.

This propels me to a place of deep and sincere gratitude:

For Robert Gelinas, my pastor and my friend; for others who less formally speak and instruct and model spiritual truth and discipline, but who are also my friends. It’s humbling for me to consider the relational Balance Sheet that the Father has entrusted to me. Trusted companions and treasured partners. Friends.

Often our battle against the evil one is waged with the lies of isolation; with the pain of loneliness.

We have been wired for relationship. We are made to operate best with a priest and friend.

Even Solomon…

Is there somebody that you need to call, write, text, tweet, hug, thank… priest and friend?