God Is Intimate With His Followers
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
In keeping with numerous Biblical descriptions, we think of God in lots of different “roles”—Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Father, Judge, Lord, Savior and King. The Bible also speaks of him as Friend.
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It’s a jarring image, isn’t it? Finite creatures in an intimate and affectionate relationship with an infinite Creator? But the concept is thoroughly Biblical. Abraham was called God’s “friend” (see 2 Chronicles 20:7 and James 2:23). And Jesus referred to his followers in the promise above as “friends.”
We need to be careful not to be flippant with God, or to take our friendship with him for granted. Friends make the effort to spend time together on a regular basis—and it never seems like an effort. The reward is a relationship marked by warmth, love, acceptance and concern.
GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• You are my friend.
MY PRAYER TO GOD
O God, help me to understand the implications of friendship with you. I want to be loyal, committed and loving. I want to walk with you daily—and make you smile!
