Text: John 15: 13-15
In today's text we read of the
creator of the universe calling us his friend. I tried to think of the depth of
this statement and its implications. I believe that His meaning to this
statement far exceeds the boundaries of friendship but He uses this human
metaphor to communicate a valuable message:
A true friend knows all about you
but yet still loves you: Today Jesus is reminding us of His ever present love
in our lives. Regardless of our shortcomings and failures, He is still
concerned about us and loves us to the point of death. He is reminding us that
we can still count on this love whenever we feel down especially due to our
mistakes. He is encouraging us that through the consistency of His love, we
already have available to us the grace and strength to stand up and move
forward. With His strength we can come out stronger than before.
A true friend is willing to
listen and converse: Most of our good conversations, I believe, have been had
with good friends. Today Jesus is reminding us of the essence of prayer; a
conversation. He is inviting us as friends to meet Him in prayer, to come and
speak and listen to Him. He desires that we come and enjoy a good conversation
with Him. Whether we are pouring out our fears, doubts, sorrows, requests,
thanksgiving or praise.... He is asking us to come and talk with Him and to listen
as He speaks with us. Today, Jesus is inviting us to a conversation.
A true friend is a companion: I
believe you can recall the good times you have had with your buddies, and how
you sometimes smile to yourself when these nostalgic moments flash through your
mind. Today Jesus is reminding us that He is a companion who will never leave
us. Through good times and bad, He is and will be there. He is not a companion
who might be far off at a distance, or one who leaves when you depart to go
home....No. He is one that is always there. He is the true companion.
A true friend is there to help:
Today Jesus is reminding us that He is always there to provide the assistance
we need. He promises that He sends us the Holy Spirit. In John 15:26 He says “I will send you the Helper from the
Father." The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes
from the Father. His promised Spirit is with us. John 14: 17 says “The
world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you
know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”. Indeed He is our helper.
In verse 13 of John 15, Jesus
resounds this message: “The greatest love
people can show is to die for their friends. Today He wants us to remember this
love, personally....individually.
I would like to
conclude with the lyrics of this popular hymn we sing so often by Joseph
M. Scriven. I implore you to kindly reflect on these:
1. What a friend
we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to
bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often
forfeit,
O what needless pain we
bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in
prayer.
Can we find a friend so
faithful
who will all our sorrows
share?
Jesus knows our every
weakness;
take it to the Lord in
prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of
care?
Precious Savior, still our
refuge;
take it to the Lord in
prayer.
Do thy friends despise,
forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in
prayer!
In his arms he'll take and
shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace
there.
Amen.
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