Friend!

-Gladys Biju George

The term ‘friend’ can be defined in several ways. People try to make a lot of friends and moreover everyone desires that the one whom they consider as their best friend should be with them, not only in times of need but rather always. But one thing is well understood we may never find people such as how we expect. Owing to the different situations and circumstances they probably change. On the other hand, the most convincing part is that ‘Our Master’ never changes. Yes, He is worthy to be considered as the ever best, true and faithful friend.

“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11) . One important thing we can clearly make out is that a true friend never speaks with a hypocritical mind or with a hidden intention. In other words, they will never try to hide things. The Lord spoke to Moses many times. Communication is symbolized as face-to-face, just similar to the way when a man speaks to his friend. Below the passage, we see that Moses asks God to show His way and reveal His glory. But since none can remain alive after seeing God’s face, Moses was put in a cleft of the rock so he could only see the back but not the face of God. Since Moses sat in the presence of God without ceasing we can see that God constantly spoke to him.

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’ And he was called the friend of God. (James 2:23). The Scripture says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” The faith of Abraham was so strong that He waited long years to receive the promise. Yes, his belief in God was accounted as righteousness. He is known as ‘The father of the Nations’. When God speaks to offer Issac as a sacrifice, we could see his submission. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” (Genesis 22:5). The term “we will come back” is contrary to what God spoke. He believed that even if Issac is sacrificed God could bring him back to life. Even when Issac asks, Father where is the lamb for the burnt offering, Abraham just adds, My son, God will provide. Those words just denote his unshaken faith. Apostle James mentions that “he was called the friend of God, yes, it was a perfect and intimate relationship with the Creator.” His friendship is spoken of by comparing it with the faith that he held, which eventually was accounted for righteousness. We could see much greater promises added in Abraham’s life because he did not withhold his only son thereby prioritizing the words of the Almighty.

Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:13-15). In this passage, two important things can be observed. First, Jesus says that if we do whatever He commands us we eventually become His friends. Second, He addresses us as friends and no longer servants since Jesus, the Son has revealed the Father’s words, which He heard. The appeal of Apostle James can be compared with these phrases, i.e But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Yes, Jesus commanded His disciples to do whatever He commands, and above that, He has made known to us all things that He heard from the Father. We basically hear a lot of sermons but rarely follow them up in our practical lives. If the situation continues so, we deceive ourselves, therefore we need to be more aware.

We live in a generation where people lose trust in their close ones, relatives, friends, etc. But certainly, we have a Father who is eagerly waiting to speak with us face to face just as a man speaks to his friend. Yes those who walked with Him, sat in His presence, believed Him surely heard His voice. He is worthy to be considered as the best and faithful friend who will never leave nor forsake us till the end of the age. No matter whatever the circumstances are He is the one who can be completely trusted and the ever-true guide. Therefore let us surrender ourselves for His will and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.

God bless all.