God has blessed me with some great friends. We get together often, enjoying one another’s company, sharing our plans, revealing our innermost thoughts and dreams. These are people I trust, whose promises are reliable.
The Bible tells us that God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden and He spoke with Moses face to face. He visited Abraham, giving Him a promise, and He revealed His plans to Amos. We see the activities of a friend.
Almighty God, Creator of the universe, is worthy of our highest praise and worship. Yet this same God invites us into a close and intimate relationship. He calls us His bride, His children, and also His friend.
Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His intimate secret counsels to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
The Hebrew word “cowdh” that we find in Amos (and elsewhere) is a rich word suggesting a secret council or the giving of advice. It also is translated as a pillow or cushion on which you would recline. You can envision a tent in the desert with friends in relaxed conversation sharing a meal. I picture it like my giant green couch with loved ones sprawled around as we open our hearts and seek private counsel with one another. God treats us like that kind of friend.
Jesus reaffirms our status as friend and lived it out for us. He declared His love in laying down His life (John 15:13) but also in telling what He knew.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
God has revealed to us His heart and His plans. Although He already knows everything about me, He still wants to spend time together as I bare my soul to Him. Do I go to Him to seek advice and counsel? Does my prayer time resemble a sacred conversation, reclining together in a safe place and sharing thoughts like intimate friends? That's what He offers to us.
Jesus is my Lord and my Savior - and He is also my friend.
Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
