Many of us know the familiar hymn .. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” .. right? .. maybe take a moment and listen: http://youtu.be/4XRmGEbH0qs
We all consider our Savior a great friend .. if we know Him as “friend” .. but none of us have an exhaustive knowledge of the heights, depths, and breadth of His amazing friendship. Consider just a few of the elements of Jesus’ loving relationship with you.
1. He has committed Himself to you as a friend for life … In fact, this commitment lasts more than an earthly lifetime; it’s eternal. He will never leave you, no matter what you do. You may suffer some dashed expectations in your lifetime, but the Lord Himself will never disappoint you.
2. He remains open to you at all times … Jesus will show you as much about Himself as you desire to learn and are able to appreciate. He will never keep from you anything about Himself that you need to know.
3. He renews His loving overtures to you every day .. He knows how to meet your deepest longings, and He re mains sensitive to your wants as well as your needs.
Jesus is an inspiring, comforting listener who hears exactly what you say and always provides the very best for you .. What kind of friend is Jesus? John 15:13 answers that question: “Greater love has no one than this, than one lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus is the kind of friend who willingly laid down His life as payment for your sins .. past, present, and future. Without complaint, He bore all your sorrows and suffering, while pledging never to leave you nor forsake you (John 14:18). Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24) .. the friend who walks by your side through everything.
And because Jesus gave Himself for all people, we His followers should give ourselves completely to Him (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (v. 20).
Who in your circle of influence needs to be reconciled to God? … Who do you know that needs to find a friend in Jesus?