January 27 | A Friend of God
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.”
Wow, could you imagine what it must have felt like for Abraham to be God’s friend? To see God face-to-face and spend time together eating and talking with Yahweh (Genesis 18:1-33)? Friendship is a relationship that is mutually beneficial for two people who like to be together. By God calling Abraham His friend, God was affirming His great love and appreciation for Abraham’s companionship.
The Bible teaches us that God has no needs, so it wasn’t like He needed to find someone to hang out with (because He was lonely).
God chooses, in His infinite love, to have intimate fellowship with His own creation.
David understood this great honor, given to humanity, when he wrote, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4) When Jesus (God, in the flesh) came and walked among us, He said to His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Jesus opened the door of friendship to anyone who would be His disciple, because everyone who believes in Him, like Abraham and the disciples did, can be His friend.
When we place our trust in Jesus and confess our sins, we are made righteous and are brought into close relationship with God. As a result, if you have been born again, you are God’s friend, too! You have been given a great privilege.
What kind of friend are you to God? As a friend of God, do you spend time with Him everyday? Do you enjoy being in His presence? Do you introduce Him to your other friends? Or, are you ashamed of Him and only spend time with Him when you need something? Are you God’s friend on bad days or only when things go the way you like?
D.L. Moody said, “A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have.” I challenge you, as God’s friend, to never be ashamed of your friendship with Him, nor be a “fair-weather friend” (when things go your way); but, in all you do, aim to please and honor Jesus because He has given you the highest honor by being your friend.
Reflection
Action
- Examine your life to see if you honor your friendship with God on the job, in your home and out with your other friends.
- If there are things you do that displease God and dishonor your friendship with Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you.
- Live, everyday, being mindful of your best friend.