Friends in High Places

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15, NIV)

Our daughter’s family were able to attend a dress rehearsal for the Broadway play The Lion King because of knowing one of the cast members. Great things and privileges can come to us when we have friends in high places.

Jesus told the disciples “I no longer call you servants but friends.” Friendship with Jesus opens doors for us, it brings an added layer of protection, it puts us in line for promotions and special treatment because Jesus is watching over and out for us, it affords us healing and blessings those who reject his friendship or choose to live outside of him do not experience, and it definitely secures our eternity in heaven. More than all the earthly and circumstantial blessings that may come when we are friends with Jesus, we have the added benefit of knowing he covers us with his loving kindness, his Shepherding presence, his unconditional love and forgiveness. Friendship with the world and having influential friends in this life will afford us some things, get us into some nice places, and allow us to experience some awesome events and activities. That’s not too shabby. But only friendship with Jesus come with material, physical, emotional, and spiritual perks. Friendship with Jesus is no small matter. Let’s Pray,

Thank you for taking us from the status of being servants to one of friendship Jesus, just because we are friends with you! Because you befriend us first, we can become friends with you. That’s awesome! Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending

Have you thought of yourself as a “friend of Jesus?” How do you feel knowing Jesus considers you to be his friend?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?