I am called a friend of God.

This summer I have loved looking at all the ‘things’ I have because of Christ. A very privileged position we, as believers, hold is being called Jesus’ friends. John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants,^[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” Jesus makes the distinction between a servant and a friend. A servant is one who just does the bidding of his master, one who works without knowing the plans, motives and purposes behind what he is doing and receives little to no reward for his service. Whereas as a friend is someone who is brought into close confidence with him and one with whom Jesus shares His knowledge of the Father. In scripture Abraham was referred to as a friend of God. James 2:23 ” and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.” Through his faith and faithfulness towards God, Abraham was recognized by God as His friend and he was rewarded with righteousness.

Friendship with God brings us a closeness like Abraham and knowledge of who He is and what He desires for mankind. We share in His vision and purpose when we are His friends. friend loves I have a really close friend that now lives in LA. For years we lived close enough to see each other each week and share our hopes, dreams, struggles and worries. We supported one another in prayer, gave encouragement and listened with a heart of love. Proverbs 17:17a “A friend loves at all times,” describes my friend. She was there for me and stood by me. My friend is still my friend even though I don’t see her every week. I know I can call her and she will listen, pray and encourage me no matter what. Jesus is even more a friend as He goes beyond all earthly friendships. He intercedes for us with the Father (Romans 8:26), He listens and encourages me through prayer (Hebrews 4:15) and through others. He has His good planned for me (Jeremiah 29:11) and loves me (John 3:16). Just like Abraham, I need to be faithful and full of faith then His righteousness will be credited to me too. Knowing Jesus, being washed by His blood and cleansed will impute His righteousness to me. Proverbs 22:11 “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.