I Am a Friend of God
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.” John 15:14,15 HCSB
The term “friend” can have broad range of meanings. It can be used of a casual acquaintance to a close friend. Solomon spoke of the depth of friendship when he said, “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“ (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)
As Jesus addresses His disciplines he underscores the connection He had with them. We see Jesus pointing to proof of friendship with Him or the privilege of His friendship with two concepts. Loyalty and transparency.
Loyalty is reflected in obedience. A slave is obedient. He obeys his master out of fear and respect. While that has application to our relationship with the Lord, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.“
(John 14:15 ESV)
Our obedience at its best, is a reflection of love for Jesus. It reveals that we want to be “faithful followers.” Those who can be trusted and will be loyal. The first half of Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin…” A true friend seeks the good of his friend and does not seek to bring harm or allow harm to happen.
Transparency is reflected in open communication. It is a security that allows one to “hold nothing back.” It demonstrates a deep level of trust and confidence. Jesus said, that He did only what the Father told Him. We see Jesus was in prayer with the Father and His ministry on earth was directed by the Father. Jesus tells his disciples that “I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.”
Open communication is more that sharing information, it is sharing of ones life. Some one once said the word “intimacy” can be viewed as “in-to-me-see.” That creates vulnerability and is an expression of the highest degree of trust.
Being called a friend, speaks to relationship, trust and knowledge. It speaks of confidence and respect. It can be an honor for someone in a position of authority or respect to call you a “friend.” How much more for the Creator of the Universe and the Savior of the World, to say, “you are my friend.” Let’s be those who demonstrate that we are a friend to Jesus, by our actions, obedience and being faithful to the work to which we have been entrusted.
The old hymn says, “friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine. O, what blessed, sweet assurance, Jesus is a friend of mine.”
Prayer for today… Lord, how awesome it is to consider that You call us “friend.” Allow us to be worthy of that trust and show our friendship through our faithfulness to You and the cause of Your Kingdom.