Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Have you ever watched a blacksmith join two pieces of glowing metal together? Welding and soldering metal is a technique centuries old. In fact, some of the earliest examples of metal work involve metal armor. No, not the metal suits of medieval Europe. Long before these were created, metal plates were used like scales to form armor for solders in the ancient Mideast. Soldering was used to join these pieces together because it created a strong bond.
Proverbs 18:24 says, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” In the ancient language, the word translated “sticks” is the word also used for soldering metal together. Can you think of a better picture of a true friend than one whose loyalty is as strong as welded metal? One who is more loyal than a brother?
Sam was such a friend. Sam is a fictional character in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the story, he is a true friend to Frodo Baggins. Sam stays by Frodo’s side though long journeys and terrifying dangers. His loyalty to his friend overcomes his own fears. He stays by his friend’s side, supporting him and at times rescuing him from death.
What kind of friendships do you form? Are you a fair-weather friend or a true friend? If a friend needs you at 2 a.m. do you answer the call? May you be a true friend . . . And may your friends be true to you.
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.