Called to faith in the Faithful Friend
Three verses combine to comfort me as I seek to understand how to be one of the "just" ones who shall "live by their faith" according to Habbakuk 2:4. What kind of faith is this? In my opinion, the effectual faith that results in life is not just an assertion or a declaration of a truth or a promise although these might be expressions of faith. Instead, faith must be my posture before the One who is faithful even when my heart is faithless.
Called to be a friend of God
The first is John 15:15, "I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." God has called us to a place of intimate friendship where we are privy to the thoughts and decisions of His heart. It does not imply a slavish devotion; rather a fellowship with the One who sits on the eternal throne and who wields both the gold and the iron scepters. The necessary work is to come apart and to draw closer to Him.
Called to increase as a light, in quiet visibility, influence and power
The second verse is Judges 5:31, "So perish all your enemies, O Lord! But may your friends be like the sun as it rises in its might." The Lord calls His friends to increase in their influence, visibility, and power in contrast to the certain demise of the ones who despise Him. Seeking to become more prominent will not accomplish this. Only as our lives echo John the Baptist who said that he was not the light but he was called to bear witness to the light of the world can this become a reality. Jesus, in us, is the light of the world that cannot be hidden. When we accompany Him out of the wilderness, leaning on His arm, His beloved, those who watch will say that we shine as terribly as an army with banners at noonday.
Called to be near Him constantly
The third verse comes from Psalm 73:23-28, "Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will receive me with honor. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail,, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. Indeed, those who are far from you will perish; you put an end to those who are false to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works." I need Him to be with me, holding my hand today.
Called to be a friend of God
The first is John 15:15, "I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." God has called us to a place of intimate friendship where we are privy to the thoughts and decisions of His heart. It does not imply a slavish devotion; rather a fellowship with the One who sits on the eternal throne and who wields both the gold and the iron scepters. The necessary work is to come apart and to draw closer to Him.
Called to increase as a light, in quiet visibility, influence and power
The second verse is Judges 5:31, "So perish all your enemies, O Lord! But may your friends be like the sun as it rises in its might." The Lord calls His friends to increase in their influence, visibility, and power in contrast to the certain demise of the ones who despise Him. Seeking to become more prominent will not accomplish this. Only as our lives echo John the Baptist who said that he was not the light but he was called to bear witness to the light of the world can this become a reality. Jesus, in us, is the light of the world that cannot be hidden. When we accompany Him out of the wilderness, leaning on His arm, His beloved, those who watch will say that we shine as terribly as an army with banners at noonday.
Called to be near Him constantly
The third verse comes from Psalm 73:23-28, "Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will receive me with honor. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail,, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. Indeed, those who are far from you will perish; you put an end to those who are false to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works." I need Him to be with me, holding my hand today.
posted by Lesley | 10:16 AM
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