Every now and then at the Ridge we sing a praise song called "Friend of God", an energetic and worshipful song recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean, among others. You'll probably recall some of the lyrics:
Who am I that You are mindful of me,
that You hear me when I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me...it's amazing!
I am a friend of God,
I am a friend of God,
I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.
It's amazing to realize that we can be friends with the creator of the universe. Now, I know that the phrase "I am a friend of God" may sound a little presumptuous. You might even feel that it's irreverent. But it's not. Jesus himself said that we would be His friends if we kept His commandments. He, although He is our Savior, is the best friend we can ever hope to have.
It's amazing to realize that we can be friends with the creator of the universe. Now, I know that the phrase "I am a friend of God" may sound a little presumptuous. You might even feel that it's irreverent. But it's not. Jesus himself said that we would be His friends if we kept His commandments. He, although He is our Savior, is the best friend we can ever hope to have.
I would like to share a devotional thought by Dr. J. Howard Goddard, that sheds some light on this idea of being a friend of God.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)(ASV)
There was no question in Peter's mind regarding the source of the revelation he received on the roof of Simon the tanner's house in Joppa. Nor was there a question concerning whose voice it was which gave him the clear, easy-to-understand command, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" (Acts 10:9-13). He knew it was the Lord who was speaking to him and he knew precisely what the Lord was telling him to do. His reply was, "Not so, Lord" (v.14). The fact that he offered an explanation for his dissent does not alter the fact that he was doing exactly what Christ decried in our verse for today (Lk. 6:46). He was calling Christ Lord but refusing to do what He said.
In glad contrast, "Abraham, when he was called...obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Heb. 11:8). "Get thee out." Out of Ur. That much was clear. But where to? Abraham didn't know because the Lord simply hadn't said, and Abraham didn't think it important enough to ask Him about it since his not knowing all of the details wouldn't keep him from putting into effect what he did know. So, "he went out, not knowing whither he went" in the confidence that God would surely show him which direction to travel and where ultimately to stop.
No wonder Abraham has a nick-name all his own! Three times he is called the friend of God (2 Chron. 20:7, Isa. 41:8, James 2:23).
But while Abraham is the only one who actually is called God's friend in the Scriptures, it does not follow that he has a monopoly on this title. What our Lord said to his disciples in the upper room is as relevant to us today as it was to those eleven men the night before the morning of His crucifixion. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (Jn. 15:14).
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper