Jesus and His Friends

Do you think it is possible to be friends with God? I can imagine that the disciples who followed Jesus for three years were awed to know they were friends with the God who created them and all that was around them. Of course they did not recognize that at the beginning. If I understand correctly, it took them a while to realize that their Messiah, their rabbi, their companion on this adventure, was The Son of God. And even then, they still saw Him as a man.

Jesus chose His friends, His disciples and His Apostles from the most unlikely places. He chose fishermen who had a hard time catching fish. He chose a tax collector, one of the most despised people among the Jews. He chose Zealots who wanted to form a military campaign against their oppressors. He did not chose the learned men or the rich. He did not choose to hang out with the popular people, or the people that others looked up to. So, maybe He would choose me, and you.

We read so much about Jesus' teachings in scripture, but we do get little glimpses into His friendships. John tells us often about the disciple Jesus loved. I think Jesus must have known how each of His followers needed to be loved and made sure they knew His love. He spent time with His friends at meals, celebrations, prayer, and doing good works. He was eager to forgive their faults and the times they misunderstood Him. Oh, what a beautiful picture of God as our Friend.

The question arises, are we a good friend to Jesus as much as He is to us? Do we spend time with Him in prayer? Invite Him into our celebrations, Enjoy a special connection to Him at meals and communion? Are we willing to join Him in serving others and bringing the good news to the lost? Are we quick to seek a reunion with Him after we experience disappointments over HIS answer to our prayers? Yes, God, through Jesus has proven to be the best of friends to us. It is now our turn to prove we can be His friend.

Jesus, You are the very best of friends! You have stuck closer to us than those we walk with here on earth. Forgive me when I fail to be Your friend. I want to let others know how wonderful it is to be friends with You. Everyday, I choose to look for opportunities to be Your friend and make You smile.