I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” vs. 15
John 15:14-17
Some of us were weaned on the old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and have its verses emblazoned on our hearts, if not on our minds. It was a kind of precursor to the praise songs that dominate Christian radio stations now, an evocative hymn, one that triggered our deepest feelings. Friendship is a much cherished relationship and to have that kind of connection to Jesus is precious, much more satisfying than calling him Lord. It’s important for us to remember though that when Jesus called his disciples friends he was calling them to a higher level of service. Being a friend of Jesus means embracing his mission, going into the world bearing his name, and bearing fruit of the highest quality. He assured his disciples that they had all the knowledge necessary to do as he asked, and so do we! That’s because it’s not that complicated. All we are called to do as his friends is love one another and love the poor. Everything else religious people do is just for show! So if we don’t alway have warm cozy feelings on our walk with our friend, Jesus, that’s okay. Our friendship is deeper than that and will persist through every season of emotion and pain.
Thought for the Day: Who is my best friend?
0 Comments