Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
A couple months ago we finished our study of the life of Abraham. He has so much to teach us! There are, of course, other characters from the Old Testament from whom we can learn much. But there is also something about them that is beyond our reach.
Moses was the Law giver. He received the Ten Commandments from God on Mt. Sinai and then delivered them to the people. None of us will ever receive such a call. Joshua was a mighty military leader, driving out the pagan people from the Promised Land. I doubt if any of us will ever accomplish something so spectacular. David was Israel’s most respected and brilliant king, who also wrote some of Scripture’s best-loved psalms. Certainly, none of us will ever be as famous as King David. Esther became queen, and through her courage was able to spare the lives of all her Jewish countrymen. It’s not likely that any of us will literally save the lives of all our countrymen. Isaiah, and Jeremiah were courageous prophets of God, speaking forth God’s word to the whole nation in spite of tremendous risk to their lives. Who among us will ever have such a platform?
But do you know what Abraham is known for, besides his faith? Three times in Scripture, in II Chron. 20:7; Isaiah 41:8, and James 2:23 Abraham is called the “friend of God.” God’s friend is how Abraham is remembered, and that is something we all can be as we, like Abraham, place our faith in God and then live obediently by our faith in God.
What a fantastic gift of God’s grace! We all have lots of acquaintances, but far fewer true friends. Our friends are those we have a special bond with. We enjoy simply being with them. We love them and care for them, and would gladly come to their aid in a time of need. How totally amazing and surprising that the eternal God, the Creator of all, offers us the intimate and precious gift of friendship. May we all enjoy the fullness of this gift!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob