Take a moment to pray about this simple truth. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you were called to him by name. You were given a personal invitation to join with Jesus, to walk side-by-side with him, to be his friend.
“To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3 (NASB)
By following the teachings of Jesus, you demonstrate your sincere friendship with him and he acknowledges you as his own for that reason. What a great blessing it is to personally know the risen Lord and feel his loving friendship.
“You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:14-15 (NASB)
It is not your obedience to Jesus that made you his friend, but that obedience is a natural outpouring of your love for him. Jesus does not tell his friends what to do; instead he takes them into his confidence and provides for them his motives, plans, and purpose. His guidance is loving direction joyfully accepted.
The ultimate demonstration of the love that Jesus has for his friends takes place on the cross. We have a debt to Jesus that we can never repay. His awesome sacrifice for our eternal salvation leaves us fully committed to following his teaching and longing for his return.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NASB)
Father God, thank you for sending your Son. Thank you for providing me with a friend like no other. Thank you for his clear direction. Grant me the wisdom to walk with him all the days of my life.
Amen!
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