The Friendship of Christ

The other day I was listening to a sermon on some of the attributes of God, specifically along the lines of the Lord being "A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). It got me to
thinking again on just how real the friendship of Christ is, or can be. How intimately He understands us. It's hard for me to remember sometimes, because when you're lonely, one of the things you crave most is the physical affection, and physical closeness, and sometimes that can cause discouragement at the "lack" of such in the spiritual walk. However, if you consider all of the other elements of a genuine friendship, the qualities that make for a strong and enduring friendship, the verse "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" becomes quite real.

Faithfulness and loyalty…so long as we are born again, no matter what we do, He abides by His promises to us.

Strength and confidence…in the Word, like a friend reminding us of the truth, strengthening and encouraging us when we're weak, afraid, or uncertain.

Advice in the Word…like when we seek answers from a friend for understanding or guidance.

Comfort and gentleness…all in the Word, the solid foundation which the Scriptures offer, the peace and assurance it gives, the reason to look for the future, that "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven." Friends might not be able to prevent sorrow or calamity, but they can offer that comfort.

The Light

Finding Jesus to be the Word Himself, so many Scriptures suddenly take on a new light.

"A friend that sticketh closer than a brother" becomes tangible- the Words of the Bible, in my head and heart, there to guide, comfort, teach, and keep me. The more I listen to Him by reading His Words, the closer that friendship becomes.

Take this verse, for example- "If ye abide in me, [Bible] and my words abide in you..." By recognizing Him as His Words, the Bible, the key to faith is found.

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

It also goes to show that the Bible is not merely to be read as a book of rules to follow.

As a child, I respected and trusted the Bible as the Truth, but failed to comprehend how vital it was. My mind was clouded with mystical, emotionally-based doctrines which painted God out as a tyrant, exacting a perfection of me that was impossible. Eventually, His words seemed cold, empty, and lifeless. Reading them became a "duty" to perform, necessary if I wanted to "be a good Christian".

Later on, I was hesitant to read the Scriptures for fear I would do them an injustice. It did not seem reverent to make token attempts, whilst bored or distracted. What could I get out of it, after all, when my reading was so often robotic?

And then one day I realized that I was focusing on myself, my weakness, instead of the power of God's Word, and not allowing for the fact that it is the Holy Spirit who is responsible for the work in my heart - not me. And that His work may be far different than I in my limited human thinking can see.

It is impossible for us to understand God's wisdom on our own. It requires that God Himself work those necessary changes in our hearts, giving us the desire to know  Him, and the wisdom to understand His Word. A Book, not only of salvation, but of His-story, science, human nature, things supernatural, and more. Things so unusual and fantastical that most preachers never seem to talk of them.

"But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalm 119:130)

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". Psalm 119:105 matches John 12:36- "While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light"...."I am the way, the truth, and the life".

Reading the Bible doesn't necessarily create some outstanding, short term change, but works a slow, gradually noticeable difference. Subtle, but steady and sure. And then God starts revealing things, and you realize that His Words are really and truly alive.

Most importantly, you begin seeing just how wonderful the Lord God is. His glorious attributes, beyond all human description. Yet also an infinitely gracious and loving Father to His children.

And this, through His Son- the Word, the Truth, and the Light.

"The truth of the Lord endureth forever"

"Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven"

"Thy word is true from the beginning".

Psalm 117:2, 119:89, 119:160

A Mystery

As I continue to read through the Bible, the Holy Spirit is bringing so many things together, like it were a grand puzzle, and He showing me pieces that connect.

The understanding is real, but the ideas so panoramic that I can only touch on portions. Things of faith, not sight, I guess.

One idea - it "dawned" on me so suddenly that I felt I'd discovered a great mystery.

Jesus Christ- in us? As faulty human beings? How is it? Is He invisible, part of our spirit as Christians, with form? How are we "born again"? It doesn't make sense- it's a mystery.

And then... "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us".

Literally.