DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part II)

DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part II)

Abraham, the patriarch of faith, was accorded an absolutely superb commendation by The Almighty: “He was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23) Just think about it.  What a supreme honor to be the designated friend of the Creator of Heaven, earth, every animate being and every inanimate object therein! 

It is important to note that Abraham’s friendship status was directly connected to his faith response to the perfect will and Word of God.  God had issued a challenging and inexplicable command to Abraham (whose name was Abram at the time and would later be changed by God): “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) Bear this in mind: God had not yet revealed a reason for this radical relocation or even a vague description of the ultimate destination.  This challenging circumstance was set up by Heaven to provoke a pure and unequivocal act of faith.  In a word, God simply said ‘Gather your stuff and start walking.  I will guide your footsteps and I let you know when you arrive there.’  Wow! 

I wonder how you and I might have responded to such a “walk by faith, not by sight” situation. (II Corinthians 5:17) Fidelity, or faithfulness to God’s Word, is an indispensable requirement of our life stewardship. (I Corinthians 4:2)

Abraham’s faith was tested in ways I could scarcely endure or imagine.  I really don’t understand how he mustered sufficient faith (with Sarah) to believe-to-conceive a baby son at the typical age of great-grandparenthood.  And I really don’t understand how he escorted their only son, Isaac, to the top of Mt. Moriah and prepared to offer him as a sacrifice to God.  What a terrifying telegram he had earlier received from Heaven: “Take your son, your only son whom you love – Isaac – and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:2) The inner turmoil and agony must have been excruciating, even unbearable, but Abraham acquiesced to the divine will and obeyed without hesitation.  Paul penned this passage of tribute to Abraham and his demonstrative faith: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21) Double Wow!!

In fact, Abraham’s faith in God’s Word was so profound that it was “credited to him as righteousness.” (James 2:23) No wonder he was deemed the friend of God.

Whenever we review the saga of Abraham, we tend to focus on obvious crisis points that seemed to dominate his life experience.  However, we must never ignore the bountiful blessings that accrued to Abraham, his family and his nation, solely due to his unmitigated trust in God.  As a result, not only was Abraham one of the wealthiest men of his era, he became a revered Patriarch in three world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.  In fact, his personal influence is so far reaching that it is difficult to quantify its impact on human history.  Thus, the conditional promise that God gave Abraham is verifiably accurate: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)

Herein lies a marvelous and life-altering lesson for believers.  The Word declares that we also are fully entitled to participate in such a phenomenal friendship covenant with Almighty God.  Although God’s occasional directives to us may feel quite formidable and challenging indeed, our obedience invariably connects us to His divine favor and the resultant blessings and benefits that are nothing less than AMAZING!

Most importantly, it is a signal honor and privilege to forge such intimate associations with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  According to inspirational lyrics by Anthony Showalter, each day in the life of a Christian is truly a faith adventure that can best be described as “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”  Though there are times when we seem to walk through troubled, dark and desperate places, we are guaranteed the constant counsel and comfort of “the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

My personal affirmation during testing times is simple and sure: “I Am a Friend of God!”

Who am I that YOU are mindful of me?
That YOU hear me when I call?
Is it true that YOU are thinking of me?
How YOU love me…it’s amazing…
It’s amazing!

I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
HE calls me Friend!

May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain every one of God’s friends from this time forth and even forevermore.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!