2018.08.25 BFF

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 17-18

Scripture Focus: A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17.17a)

Devotional Thought: Solomon, the writer of most of the Proverbs, knew of the friendship between his father, King David, and Jonathon.  He also knew of the deceit and intrigue of palace politics, topped by his brother Absalom's coup against their father.  Solomon knew the value of friendship.  He knew that a "true friend loves at all times."

This scripture makes me think about our Friend, Jesus:

Faithful.  Jesus is faithful to his Father's will in the face of the deepest temptations and the fiercest trials.  And, he is faithful to us, for he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Reliable.  Jesus testified at the end of his life that he had finished the work God gave him to do.  He went where God told him and did what God told him.  He is true to his promises to us as well.

Involved.  I could have used another word that starts with 'I' - incarnate.  Jesus wasn't satisfied staying in heaven.  He came and entered our world to be a part of our lives, every part of our lives.

Empathetic.  Because he came and entered into our experience, he knows the struggles we face and is able to "deal gently with the ignorant and wayward."

Near.  He is not far off, observing us from a distance.  As the song goes, "He's as close as the mention of his name."  When we are struggling against the wind and the waves of life, we find him walking on the water to come to our aid.

Devoted.  His is not a relationship of duty or drudgery.  He loves us, so much so that he gave himself to die for us on the cross.  Again, an old song comes to mind: "If that isn't love..."

Thank God for our Best Friend Forever, Jesus!

Prayer: We do thank you, O Lord, for your Son, our Friend.  Jesus calls us friends.  What amazing love!  "This alone is our complaint, that our love is weak and faint. Yet we love You and adore; O for grace to love You more."