What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Exodus 33:11a – The Lord would speak with Moses, face to face, just as a man speaks with a friend. (GNB)

Several years ago, it was reported that a bureaucrat met Mother Teresa at an airport and accompanied her in a limousine to her speaking engagement. The bureaucrat was puzzled because Mother Teresa would interrupt their conversation to speak with someone, using words of praise and thanksgiving. The man knew that they were the only passengers in the vehicle, but he secretly kept looking around the cab. Then it dawned on him: Mother Teresa was talking to God, her Friend! She did it easily, quietly, and naturally, because of her long relationship with the Almighty.

I had a somewhat similar experience some time ago when I was visiting an elderly saint, a woman loved and respected by family and friends. She lived her faith and was always baking up some goodies for her grandchildren or preparing a bowl of hot chicken soup for a sick neighbour. As I spoke with her that day, I, too, became aware that she was regularly speaking to an unseen person, and I realized that that person was Jesus! To her, Jesus was a close friend, a Person she knew well, and so, naturally, she walked with Him and talked with Him.

How wonderful to have a friendly relationship like that!

Too many of us regard God as a harsh grandfather, ready to chastise us for any wrongdoing. Some of us keep a respectful distance from God, always a bit wary and slightly fearful.

But Jesus holds His arms wide open, welcoming us into His circle of friends. How pleasant to know that Jesus is interested in all our wants, pleasures, and desires. The invitation is there, waiting for you and for me.

Remember the words of the old hymn:

Take time to be holy: speak oft with thy Lord.
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

John 15:15 – [Jesus said,] "I do not call you servants any longer. … Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father." (GNB)

My friend, have you talked with God today?

Prayer: Loving God, we know You are ready to listen to us, any time, anywhere. Indeed, we can share our deepest thoughts with You. Help us to realize that You are our gracious and loving friend. And we feel better just knowing that You are there for us! We pray in Christ's holy name. Amen.

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