“You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.”
John 15:14
It’s never in order to become one; it’s in response to being one.
Friends.
We talk much about friendship, having friends, someone being our “bosom buddy” or “soul-mate, heart-mate,” etc. Yet, sadly, the majority of folks go through a lifetime without ever really having one true friend—someone in whom they can confide, i.e., someone who knows everything about them, but still loves them just the same.
Thus, at first reading, Jesus’ words in today’s Manna seem conditional: “You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.”
It sounds fickle. Demanding. Controlling. Sorta like that one you used to date, whose love was dependent upon your doing whatever he/she wanted whenever he/she wanted it.
But, that’s not what Jesus is talking about here, dear Pilgrim.
And, for that you should be eternally grateful.
No, He was saying “If you are truly My friend and know that I am that Friend ‘who sticks closer than a brother’. . .Who’ll ‘never leave you or forsake you’ . . .and will always be there for you, then you’ll willingly obey Me because you love Me.” Or, another way to put it is “His Desire is my delight” (Ps. 40:8). Hallelujah!!
Yes, when we realize the Heavenly Father takes those who are “nobodies, undeserving of Mercy and scatterbrained” (Hos. 1:3-9) and transforms them into His adopted, pardoned, cleansed children, it should cause us to become His “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1-2).
True friends are those who enjoy each other’s company. They can talk about deep, complex issues or simply engage in meaningless chitchat. Or, they can sit for long periods of time without having to exchange a single word between them—simply because they’re basking in each other’s calm acceptance. No need to pretend or put up a front. No need to beat-around-the-bush or play games.
They simply love each other unconditionally and enjoy meeting each other’s needs.
And, so it should be in our relationship with Christ.
There’s no doubt that ours is an inequitable relationship—i.e., not a relationship between“equals.” He’s God and we’re not. He’s perfect, holy and just and we’re not. He’s always giving, but we’re always hoarding.
That’s why His condescending Love is so amazing and compels us to obey Him: Simply because we love Him (Phil. 2:5-11; II Cor. 5:14a).
Dear Pilgrim, the world’s full of those who feel that no one cares. Like Hagar in the wilderness after Sarai had kicked her out (Gen. 16:6-16; 21:9-21), they’re homeless, helpless and hopeless. They may be successful by the world’s standards; but, inwardly they’re dying to know someone cares. Will you be that “someone” on Christ’s behalf today?
January 17 , 2012
