Thursday, October 14, 2010
We may speak of God as our Creator, Refiner, or Potter, but those descriptions in some ways lack the very closeness that God also describes of Himself to us as in:
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
THE ALMIGHTY GOD IS ... MY FRIEND!
What makes for a good friend, or maybe even a great friend? What's your description of a best friend? I had a best friend growing up that I spent the better part of most days. He was a great friend because he always wanted to hang out. He was considerate, loyal, and I could tell him anything. He actually cared about what was going on in my life.
As years went by, "life" got in the way of our friendship. I went off to school in a different state and we didn't stay close. At this point I don't think we've spoken for almost seven years! And this was my best friend!
It means a great deal to me then that the Almighty God calls Himself MY friend. But how can I have a friend that I cannot "see"? Seems like so many people make fun of my invisible Friend! But He is the most loyal, considerate, and trustworthy friend I could ever dream of. He cares more than anyone else what is going on in my life and He doesn't just want to hang out with me, He watches over me even when I slumber or sleep. Is that a description of a friend or foe?
In Exodus 33:11 the LORD tells me He spoke to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." What joy I find that MY Friend and Lord God, Jesus Christ, speaks to me whenever I want while I'm "face to face" with Him in His Holy Word, the Bible. Like Abraham, I believe and trust my Savior who has given me everything -- His life, death, and eternal life, all His promises and faithfulness, and even something as simple as His friendship!
What a Friend we have in Jesus!
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 457:1)
