Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 20, 2011
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14
Jesus is a friend to His followers. He is Lord, but He is a friend. He is Savior, but He is a friend. He is the Son of God, but He is a friend. He is sinless and holy, but He is a friend. He is a friend to sinners, and a friend to those He saves. Jesus is a friend to his followers, but it is a friendship based on obedience. Compliance to Christ creates companionship.
If I do not obey Christ’s commands, He does not call me friend. It is out of our actions that friendship with Jesus is validated. Obedience to Jesus inspires intimacy with Jesus. It is imperative that we obey Jesus so that we can really get to know Jesus. His friendship is free for all who follow hard with a hungry heart to obey. Friendship flourishes with faithful fidelity.
“He [Jesus] replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
Friendship with Jesus is an invitation to intimacy. He reveals to His friends the riches of His grace, and the hope of His glory. It is a friendship that bears the fruit of saved souls and solid character. You begin to emulate the attitude, actions, words and spirit of Jesus, because this is what friends do. Friends look, act and sound like each other. You know you are a friend of Jesus, when Jesus consistently influences you to be like Him.
When others are around you does your behavior provide evidence that you’ve been with Jesus? Is it a friendship based on conviction, not convenience—intimacy not intimidation and giving not getting? As you grow in your friendship with Christ you better understand His heart, and your prayers align more with His will. Friendship with Jesus facilitates friendship with people. True friends flock to be with fellow friends of Jesus. Evangelism of the lost and edification of the saved flow freely when Jesus is your best friend.
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.'” Luke 5:20
How can I enjoy my friendship with Jesus and also honor Him in the process?
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 20:7; Job 29:4; Jeremiah 17:17; James 2:23; 4:4
Post/Tweet this today: Compliance to Christ creates close companionship with Him… #obedience
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