Have you ever shared a private joke with a close friend or family member? Something you both experienced and found funny, but you kept it just between yourselves. Every time a similar situation arises or someone says something that triggers the memory, you just look at each other and start laughing. My wife and I shared several of those private jokes. Now I share them with Jesus.
Here is just one example. When I get ready to stand at home, I hesitate for a few seconds in anticipation of the pain, then count to three and push off with a groan to stand. In public, I count to myself and stifle my groan, but it still brings a smile to my face as I thank my Lord for the ability to stand. I have shared with Him many times that it is just my way of “counting” on Him and I know He smiles with me every time I do it. Some might consider it sacrilege to write about the Creator of the universe in such a familiar tone. I feel sorry for them. They obviously have not experienced the close relationship with God that is possible through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.
I may have shared the words of this song before, but even so it is still worth repeating. “My Friend is the king of all kings, and yet my friend walks beside me. My Friend rules the earth and the sun and yet my Friend stops to guide me. My Friend takes my hand just when all appears in vain and makes it plain through joy or pain He’ll be there. My Friend tells me life is a road and though it ends at the bending. My Friend tells me then there’s a road beyond this road that’s unending. Some day when I walk up that happy road that lies around the bend, who will there be to welcome me, my Friend.”
Jesus tells us, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friend, if you do what I command.” (John 15:13-14) Here are other Scripture verses that give us a great look at friendship. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17) “… A real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city…” (Proverbs 18:19) “I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends.” (Job 16:21) “The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him. He teaches them His covenant.” (Psalms 25:14) “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:11)
What a friend we have in Jesus!