Become friends with God

Saturday 8 May 2021

Become friends with God

“I have called you friends because I have made known to you all that I have learned from my Father.” John 15. 15

In the Old Testament Abraham is the only man designated by God as His friend : “But you, Israel, are my servant. Jacob, you are the one I have chosen, the descendant of my friend Abraham ”(Isaiah 41.8.). In Christ we can enjoy the same privilege, because Jesus made known to us His Father. Even though it is beyond our comprehension, Dien wishes to enter into a deep relationship of friendship with us, and not just that of adopted children. What character traits did Abraham have to become a “friend of God” ?

1- He showed spontaneity. He was ready to accept the unexpected. God loves to surprise us, as he did on the day he came to visit Abraham (Genesis 18. 1-2). Being His friend requires being ready to listen to Him and obey Him at any time, without warning. The best way not to become His friend is to find excuses not to approach Him (Luke 9.59-62).

2- He was humble and respectful. Abraham was a very rich and powerful man, able to raise an army to go and free his nephew Lot (Genesis 14. 1- 17). Nevertheless he did not hesitate to bow down to the ground before his three visitors (Genesis 18:2). Arrogance is out of the question before God.

3- He was ready to serve others. God was one of the three figures who came to meet Abraham. At the end of their meeting, God remains alone to reveal His plans for Sodom to him. But Abraham hastened to serve the three people who approached him first. He does not distinguish between the three. He serves them in the same way. Do you remember the words of Jesus : “Truly I say to you, whenever you have done this to one of these least of my brethren, you have done it to me.” (Matthew 25. 40) ? To serve others is to serve Him.

4- He trusted God. Even though at times he had doubts and made mistakes, in the end his obedience and loyalty were rewarded. Jesus confirms it to us : “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15. 14). Think about it !

Source (His Word for Today)