As we have been studying the life of Abraham, we have seen what the bible tells us about him. He is a man of faith in God and obedient to his call and commandments. In return this earned Abraham a unique relationship with God compared to other great men of the Old Testament. James tells us that it was Abraham’s faith in God that earned him the title and reality of becoming God’s friend.
“22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”-and he was called a friend of God” James 2:22-23
When we search the Old Testament, we understand that it wasn’t man who gave Abraham this title. Indeed, it was God himself who called Abraham his friend.
“But you Israel my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;” Is. 41:8
What a privilege for a mere mortal man to be called God’s friend.
This friendship is manifested by the many appearances and conversations that Abraham experienced with God. It began in Ur of the Chaldeans and continued throughout his existence in Canaan.
However, of all those appearances, perhaps none is more vivid, tender, and remarkable that this theophany that Abraham would experience in Genesis 18. Think about this, God himself along with two of his mighty angels would appear to him in the form of 3 men. They came to visit him in his tent. When invited, they agree to sit and eat with him. Then, God alone would take a walk with Abraham just as two friends would do when one of them wants to share a heavy-hearted matter with the other. God with a heavy heart shares his plans about Sodom with Abraham. Then He takes time to listen to what his friend has to say about it and they both reach and agreement.
This Sunday, we will look into this moment fellowship between two friends. What can we learn from it? Can we as believers in the New Testament enjoy such a relationship with God? I believe the answer is yes. Our Lord Jesus himself gave us the promise that he would not call us servants anymore but indeed he would call us friends.
As friends of the Savior, let us look back to that original man who was called first a friend of God and learn from him what that friendship means.
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” Jn. 15:15