Friends?

"I shall not call you servants anymore, because a servant does not know what his master is about. Instead, I call you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father." - John 15:15

In our religion, it seems that there are so many rules to follow that it all just seems like a big burden. Jesus understood that things can seem this way to us and that's why He pulled His apostles aside and told them straight up that He wasn't speaking to them as the Lord Almighty and they must obey each and every commandment, but that He considered all of them His friends. He didn't want to be a weight on their shoulders, He wanted to share the news of the Kingdom of Heaven with them, and He wants to share it with us as well.

I know that religion and God talk can be the last thing people want to hear about sometimes, but when we feel like this, we need a change of perspective. While we might run away from our bosses sometimes, we usually always welcome our friends, and their good news becomes our good news. Jesus is longing to share His good news with you. I remember when those "Jesus Is My Homeboy" shirts were popular and it seemed funny at the time, but it's actually very true. Jesus wants to be a friend, a companion, a guide for us when things get tough. Learn to look at Him in this way so that you can share in His Kingdom with Him.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for looking at me as a friend and not a servant beneath You. Help me to respond to Your call of friendship and bring others to You as well. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Friendship

"I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know what his master is about. Instead, I call you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father." - John 15:16

Think about the last time you were with friends, the last time you laughed and shared stories. I think that more and more, people are keeping their feelings to themselves because who wants to be vulnerable? Who wants their insecurities exposed? I am so grateful for friends who are there to listen to me when I need to express myself, but more importantly, I consider it a great honor to have someone come to me to be listened to. It's a big deal for someone to trust you enough to share what's going on inside. That's what Jesus wants to do with us. During this part in John, Jesus is explaining His mission to His apostles and sharing with them the news on how things will happen. He speaks to them not as servants but as friends. Since when does a God do this? Share with mortals a divine plan? But this is who Jesus is. He chose us to be His friends, not servants who must dot every "i" and cross every "t." And that best part of the friendship you share with your closest friends reaches its perfection when the friendship is with Christ because who could possibly see through you as well as your God?

I know it's weird to be "friends" with Jesus, but when you begin to think of Him in this way, you will receive so much more from your relationship with God. Maybe you can finally move past an image of a judgmental God that's counting all your sins. It's a friendship because you share with Him and out of love, He shares with you.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for choosing me as Your friend I pray that You help me understand the giving and receiving involved in a perfect friendship. In Your Name we pray, amen.