Many of us are blessed with good friends, even best friends. People we confide in, trust and love. Friends enrich our lives in many ways, and they are a blessing and a gift when you find the right ones in your life.
Do you know that Jesus calls you His friend? John 15:14 Jesus said, “You are my friends.” He said this to His closest followers, His disciples, and He extends this to you too! Pause and think about that for a moment – our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, calls you His friend.
Remember, this was not always the case. Look at what it says in John 15:15:
“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.”
In the Old Testament, the children of God were not considered His friends. Only a handful were regarded as friends of God. For example, Moses, God spoke to him face to face as a friend (Exodus 33:11), and Abraham, who was called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7 & Isaiah 41:8). But as you see in the scripture, the relationship between God and His people was best known as master and servant (Leviticus 25:55).
But Glory to God - through Christ’s work, the children of God can again be known as God’s friends. What a privilege to be called a friend of God!
How many of you would describe Jesus as your best friend? Do you know Jesus is the only real and true friend you can have? I want to encourage you to make Jesus your best friend today. You can never go wrong when you do this!
When we look at expectations of a friend and a healthy friendship, Jesus is all this and more! He supports, offers encouragement, and listens to us when we need Him, allowing us to express our needs and desires. Imagine a friend who does not EVER get tired, bored or frustrated when you vent, or have a situation or problem you keep going on and on about. He is ever present – you never have to wait to speak to Him. He is always available to you, every moment of each day. He will always answer your phone call; there are no ‘missed calls’ with Him. He doesn’t disappear and go off radar when you need Him most. No – it is quite the opposite! He is 100% trustworthy and reliable and will never let you down. Remember, He is the God who has been ever faithful throughout the ages and is there to support us through thick and thin.
Friendship is characterised by openness, honesty and transparency. When we look at the life and teachings of Jesus, all these qualities are central to His character, the way He lived, taught and interacted with others. Jesus only speaks the truth to us. This is because He desires that we become the very best of ourselves that we can be, and this can only be possible by being close to Him and knowing the truth. He desires for us to be free. John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Many don’t like the truth; we prefer to hear a lie, if it makes us feel good or better. We prefer to hear things that confirm what we think might be true.
Daniel 2:22 says, “He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.” And look at what it says in 1 Corinthians 2:10: “These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” Wow! A friend who knows all things and truths and can share these with you. Glory to God! He will have your back, look out for you, warn you from danger and guide your steps – why? Because He loves you.
There have been so many times that I am about to make a decision, maybe about something I do not have much wisdom, understanding or knowledge about. I will pray about it, and Jesus will reveal the truth. He will speak! He tells me so much that I do not know. Sometimes, they are things I would rather not know and things I might struggle to comprehend – because I couldn’t imagine it possible – but they are truths, and I’d rather know the truth than be deceived. When He speaks those truths, you must act! It’s either time to pray, obey or both. You must not receive truth from God, and do nothing. God is looking for obedience, and when He sees that you always obey Him, He will begin to reveal more to you. Why? Because you demonstrate faithfulness and commitment to His will, He will continue to unveil further insights and understanding of His plan for your life.
You will find everything you are looking for in this life in Jesus. You will not find it in money, possessions, property, relationships, pleasure, or the many other things we are inclined to chase. We can only find true fulfilment in Jesus! Make Him your best friend!
But how do I make Jesus my best friend, Sherry? How is that even possible?
- The first thing you must do is PRAY. Spend time with Jesus in prayer – develop open and honest communication with Him. Don’t be shy to share your joys, sorrows and ask Him questions. Remember, He is a friend who listens and cares about you. He loves you immensely!
- As you spend more and more time speaking to Him, begin to listen for His voice. He speaks back to you, as your human friends do, but you must learn and make time to listen.
- Seek His guidance and direction (whilst you pray), so you can understand His will for your life.
- Obey His guidance and teachings. When you obey our Lord Jesus, it shows your commitment to your friendship with Him. It shows that you love, honour and respect Him above all else. In John 15:14, when Jesus says, “You are my friends…” the following words are “if you do what I command.” “You are my friends if you do what I command.” In a few verses earlier, in John 15:10, Jesus said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love…” So, keeping Jesus’ commands and obeying Him means we remain in His love – it means we are His friends. Love and friendship go hand in hand!
Many of you reading this article will be familiar with the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” As I sing the lyrics of this song, I am continually reminded of how so many of us struggle, suffer, and fail just because we refuse to pray. We refuse to speak to Jesus openly and honestly about what we are going through. The second verse of the song says:
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Isn’t that true? If only we could carry ‘everything’ to God in prayer, we would have so much more peace, we wouldn’t have to carry the pain and burdens that we don’t need to carry.
Jesus is calling you to make Him your best friend. He desires a deep and personal connection with you, so He can provide you with all the comfort, guidance and support you need. Respond to His call today!
Every blessing,
Pastor Sherry Owolabi