Dec 07

This false perception by the world of Jesus and what it means for him to be a friend of sinners, and the world's lack of understanding of the reason for this -- God's love for a lost world -- dogged Jesus to the very end. It was one of the charges brought against him by his enemies to the government, so they could have him killed. They charged him with being a king, which they falsely accused would mean that he was in opposition to that government.

When Pilate tried to set Jesus free, these opponents shouted out that if he did so, the governor would be no friend of the state government but in opposition to it, as they claimed Jesus was.

Yes, the matter of who our friends are is a matter of deep importance. It can even be a matter of life and death. God himself recognizes this, for in his Word he pits against each other the two choices we have of whose friend we will be: We can be the world's friend, or we can be God's friend. Each choice has consequences of utmost severity.

He who chooses to be friends with the world automatically chooses against God.

"Friendship with the world is hatred toward God. Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God"

And he who chooses God automatically finds himself at odds with the world and its ways.

"I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:19).

It was said previously that a man is known by the friends he keeps. It is also true that he is known by the enemies he has made.

Scripture for today: John 15:18-27
Thought for today: A man's enemies are as important as his friends.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for turning me from an enemy of God because of my sin, into one who has the wonderful privilege of being called a friend of God.

DEC 07