Too familiar or too distant? Too formal or too disrespectful? Assuming too much or failing to enjoy what should be ours?
There are some who consider the world as their stage and everyone as their equal in importance. They assume instantly that, no matter a person's position of power or authority, that person would want to be on a first name basis. They assume that of course God is available, friendly and is simply delighted to know them.
But for many of us, not just an older generation, but those who read Scripture seriously; God is One to be feared, reverenced, honoured and worshipped. He is the One whose presence was so holy, awesome and "dangerous" on Mount Sinai that the Israelites were told not to even touch the foot of the mountain while God's Presence was there. Exodus 19:12, 13; 20:18, 19
In light of this, how great an honour was given to Moses:
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." Ex. 33:11 What a unique privilege God gave to Moses! God of the Universe, God of the nation stoops to speak with Moses as though he was God's friend!
I preach this week on the last half of James 2, in which Abraham is mentioned as an example of faith that was demonstrated by his obedient "works". In that passage, James mentions that Abraham "was called God's friend". James 2:23 (See Isaiah 41:8)
"God is my friend." Such a statement can be very flippant and incorrect. Sounds (to many of us) as very presumptuous, perhaps irreverent and too familiar. Yet if we are living in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ; if we are living by faith in Him and obeying what we are told in Scripture; then we do actually become His friends. This is what Jesus made clear to his first followers.
"You are my friends if you do what I command. 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 15:14, 15
We know that the "world runs on relationships." There is nothing better, when you want something done in a company, a bureaucracy or elsewhere, then to have "friends in high places." "It is not what you know but who you know." So relax, trust and obey, whatever your situation. If Christ is your friend, you are very well connected. :)
The old hymn was correct: "What a friend we have in Jesus." To be worshipped, given the highest possible respect and honour; to be absolutely obeyed. Yet He is our best, our eternal Friend! Amazing!
There are some who consider the world as their stage and everyone as their equal in importance. They assume instantly that, no matter a person's position of power or authority, that person would want to be on a first name basis. They assume that of course God is available, friendly and is simply delighted to know them.
But for many of us, not just an older generation, but those who read Scripture seriously; God is One to be feared, reverenced, honoured and worshipped. He is the One whose presence was so holy, awesome and "dangerous" on Mount Sinai that the Israelites were told not to even touch the foot of the mountain while God's Presence was there. Exodus 19:12, 13; 20:18, 19
In light of this, how great an honour was given to Moses:
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." Ex. 33:11 What a unique privilege God gave to Moses! God of the Universe, God of the nation stoops to speak with Moses as though he was God's friend!
I preach this week on the last half of James 2, in which Abraham is mentioned as an example of faith that was demonstrated by his obedient "works". In that passage, James mentions that Abraham "was called God's friend". James 2:23 (See Isaiah 41:8)
"God is my friend." Such a statement can be very flippant and incorrect. Sounds (to many of us) as very presumptuous, perhaps irreverent and too familiar. Yet if we are living in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ; if we are living by faith in Him and obeying what we are told in Scripture; then we do actually become His friends. This is what Jesus made clear to his first followers.
"You are my friends if you do what I command. 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 15:14, 15
We know that the "world runs on relationships." There is nothing better, when you want something done in a company, a bureaucracy or elsewhere, then to have "friends in high places." "It is not what you know but who you know." So relax, trust and obey, whatever your situation. If Christ is your friend, you are very well connected. :)
The old hymn was correct: "What a friend we have in Jesus." To be worshipped, given the highest possible respect and honour; to be absolutely obeyed. Yet He is our best, our eternal Friend! Amazing!
No comments:
Post a Comment