A Friend of God

Just about all of us knows about ‘friends’ that are not who we hoped they might be. Sometimes they walk off when somebody ‘better’ comes along. Some disappear without a reason, leaving calls unanswered. Some use us in their time of crisis and when we need them, they’re not available.  Thankfully, there are many friends who are great people – who love, who stand with us, who are the richest treasure in the world.

God’s people broke His heart. Isaiah speaks for Him, describing His desire for them, and His justice for their sins. "I made them my own nation, so they would praise me. I, the Lord, said to Israel: You have become weary, but not from worshiping me." (Isaiah 43:21-22, CEV) "You have not brought delicious spices for me or given me the best part of your sacrificed animals. Instead, you burden me down with your terrible sins." (Isaiah 43:24, CEV)   His love would not ignore their treachery, their fickleness.  The Lord said that He would bring the Babylonians down to be His hand of correction.

But …  we can be encouraged by the next word from Him. “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25, NIV)  "This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." (Isaiah 44:2-3, NIV)

Mercy, forgiveness, grace, and love – these are His heart towards us. It’s not a sloppy, emotional love. His is a deep, just, and enduring love. Can He become angry? Yes.  Will He correct and discipline us? Yes, again! Because He loves us too much to just let us do as we please. 

Every year in Advent we remember – The Lord is coming.  Remembering that He came, a Babe in a Manger, God in Flesh, we take hope that He will come again – the Lord of Glory!  The stories of the unfaithfulness of His people of long ago become lessons for us.  Isaiah’s ancient words invite us to come near, to remain faithful, so that God’s delight is our inheritance.  "So turn to me and be helped—saved!— everyone, whoever and wherever you are. I am God, the only God there is, the one and only. I promise in my own name: Every word out of my mouth does what it says. I never take back what I say. Everyone is going to end up kneeling before me. Everyone is going to end up saying of me, ‘Yes! Salvation and strength are in God!’ ” All who have raged against him will be brought before him, disgraced by their unbelief." (Isaiah 45:22-24, The Message)

What kind of friend of God are you, Christian?

Be the best kind – faithful, loving, and true.

_____

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 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.

God Almighty, Lord of Glory,

You have called me friend.

Israel Houghton | Michael Gungor

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