A Friend of God!

This past weekend, along with all of our children, their spouses, and our grandson, we had another special guest in our house. Our daughter and son-in-law, Joanna and Dan, brought their newly adopted dog with them, Oden. Oden is a greyhound rescue dog who is still getting acclimated to life outside the racetrack where he lived all of his life. Thankfully, he is progressing really well. 

The big question we had was, whether or not our dog Sadie and Oden were going to get along. After all, Sadie is not used to having another dog in the house. We weren’t quite sure whether their personalities and temperaments would allow for them to be together. Or would we have to keep them apart? Thankfully, after the initial introductions and curiosities, Sadie and Oden got along just fine. In fact, it seemed like they were actually becoming friends, walking together, playing together, and at times even sleeping together. 

We all know the value of having someone we can call a friend.  After all, we were not meant to live life alone. We need people around us whom we can trust, share our lives with, and share our hearts with. We all need at least one or two good friends. Friendship is something not to be taken for granted but to be treasured. I’m glad for those whom I can consider to be my friends. 

But there is a friendship that is so much more significant than the friendship of two dogs or even the friendship between two people. I’m reminded of James’ words regarding Abraham: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”  (James 2:23 – NIV) 

And then there are Jesus’ words 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 – NIV) 

What an incredible thought: God calling a man his friend! Jesus the teacher and master called his students, friends!  What an honor to be known as a friend of God.  What a privilege to have the King of kings and Lord of lords, calling someone his friend! Yet, I believe that as we give our lives to him, God still calls us his friends. Jesus our Savior considers us his friends. 

That’s not to say that we are on the same level as God. We are not to take advantage of the kindness and grace of God. Yet, it is encouraging to think that God would call people like us his friends! 

Take a moment today to thank God for calling you not just his servant or child, but his friend! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris