God’s Friend!

Hello Foothills family!

 The Bible utilizes a number of metaphors to depict the relationship between God and believers.

John 10 describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and we are his sheep.  Romans 8 reminds us that “we are God’s children. (vs. 16)” and Ephesians 5 parallels our relationship with Christ as groom and bride, counseling husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.”

 The metaphor that touches my heart the most however, is one that is used on the relationship between God and Abraham.  James 2:23 says, “and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

 Wow!  To be called God’s friend!  Is there anything better than that?

 It leads me to the question, “How can I be called God’s friend?”

 First, it’s important to recognize that God has wanted to be our friend long before we had the reciprocal desire.  God pursued friendship with Abraham first, and not the other way around. The apostle John writes, “We loved because He first loved us”.

 In addition, making yourself available to God for intimacy and conversation is pivotal.  Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent when these three heavenly visitors came by, and he wasn’t so busy that he couldn’t spend the time with them.  

 Ultimately, a friendship with God that is rooted in intimacy leads to trusting Him completely with your all. God asked Abraham to leave his land to a new residence, not sharing with Abraham where this land would be. Abraham trusted Him and went. 

 The beauty of it all is that God pursues us. God opens Himself up to us, and God shows us time and time again that we can trust Him.  We have the privilege of surrendering to His pursuit, intimacy, and provision.  This Sabbath, as we look at the life of Abraham, may we discover that, (with apologies to Will Smith and the late Robin Williams), we ain’t never had a friend like Him!

 Blessings church family, and remember, God is for you, God is with you, and God loves you!

 Pastor Chris