Thursday, January 14, 2010
John 15:15 "I have called you friends."
MY BEST FRIEND
In High School my best friend was built like a middle linebacker. Everyone called him Moose. It's a handy thing when your best friend is 6' 2" and weighs 220 pounds. For the last twenty plus years my best friend has been a sweet girl with big blue eyes. She also happens to be my wife. I often think of her as the best friend I've ever had, but that's not really true.
My true best Friend is Jesus. Moose had muscle, but Jesus is almighty. There's no problem He can't solve for me. My wife has a caring and understanding heart, but no one understands me better or cares for me more than Jesus. He understood my desperate plight, that I was a helpless sinner deserving of a place in hell. So, although the Mighty God, He took on human form and lived a sinless life for me. Then He bled and died for me, paying for all my sins once and forever. My best Friend even rose from the dead to crush death beneath His feet, so that one day my body will be raised and glorified.
Though He did all this for me, my sinful heart didn't want anything to do with Him. I only trust Him because He saw to it that the miracle of faith was worked in my heart. From eternity He wanted me for His friend, and saw to that I became His very own through the waters of Baptism.
My best Friend continues to give His all for me. He rules the universe, making all things work together for my good. He's the Heavenly Advocate I need as I struggle everyday with sin and temptation. He promises He will be with me always, and that one day He will take me to His land of no more tears.
I do trust in Him, but I'm a miserable excuse for a friend. In my thoughts, words, and actions I continue to break His Holy Law, and often take His love for granted. But that doesn't stop Him from loving me. Everyday He's there with His forgiveness, along with countless words of comfort and strength. Jesus is the best Friend anyone could ever have!
