Friday, September 25, 2015

The Friendship of Jesus

One friend, by his own choice, was doomed to perdition. Of the others, a number too great to be counted, our friend Jesus lost not one. Friends, a term we rejoice in, especially when it involves us and Jesus. Gladly would we assume the title of servant to the Lord Jesus, but He would not have the relationship remain at that stage. To the disciples, the Lord said:

“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 15:15)

All things heard from the Father passed from the ears of Jesus to His friends. Servants are kept in the dark about plans and ideas, but not so the friends of the bridegroom. We rejoice in His coming wedding. We get to help in the planning and in the labor of preparing the great day. We long for the union of Jesus and His bride. What great love the bridegroom must have for His betrothed! Indeed, Jesus spoke to this love:

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Jesus did just that at the cross called Calvary. The bride could not be saved by her own efforts. The friends of Jesus were lost except that something extraordinary be done to save us. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for His friends. When Jesus called us friends, He meant it all the way.

Rejoice in the day, even if it brings tears and sorrow,

Your friend in Christ, Bucky

No comments: