“The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners.” Luke 7:34

The friendship that God has given me in Christ is my most cherished friendship. More cherished that my love for my wife, (who happens to be my best friend), our children, and the many friends that I have been blessed with. STILL, I must confess that I am surprised by the friendship He gives. Really, my sin separated me from God, my sins were abhorrent to his holy nature. Yet in my sin, He loved me, I mean really loved me.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

It is far easier for me think of God judging and condemning me for my sin than to grasp that I am loved and friended by Him! It’s easier perhaps because there are so many condemning and judgmental voices in our culture. It’s easier because in my heart I know how offensive my sins are to God. Yet, he wants to be my friend. And that my dear friends is why I am a friend of God because He friended me first! It’s just what He does to all who come to Him in faith. Like Matthew, the hated tax collector, Jesus meets us wherever we are in life, whatever we are like, and says, “Follow me and be my disciple.” (Matthew 9:9) At Woodland Church we call disciples, “Passionate Followers of Christ.”

Not for one moment have I ever thought that because God is my friend that I’m equal to God. However, I am better, much, much better because He saved me from my sins. I am not better than anyone else; but I am what I am by the grace of God.

He calls you, to follow Him as well. He loves you and He will give you a fresh start by making you brand new! He promises! He came to save you and be your friend as well!

Peace!