Special Designation!

This past week I had the privilege of being part of an orchestra accompanying four performances of The Nutcracker Ballet in Port Angeles, Washington. This orchestra was made up of members of the Port Townsend Community Orchestra (of which I am a member), the Port Angeles Symphony, and other individuals. During one of the rehearsals our conductor introduced some of the members who might not have been familiar to many of the Port Angeles players. Students, teachers, and others were named and when it came to introducing me, I anticipated our conductor simply introducing me as a member of the Port Townsend Orchestra. However, I felt it was a very special designation when he introduced me as HIS FRIEND. That really meant a lot to me and caused me to reflect on the number of years we have known each other.

There are those with whom we may have a "working relationship" that we also consider "FRIENDS". Such implies not only shared involvement in something worthwhile, but also a closer connection than merely being co-workers. Think of how special it must have been when Jesus looked at His disciples and stated. . .

"(14) YOU ARE MY FRIENDS if you do what I command you. (15) 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." ( John 15:14-15 ESV)

The Greek word translated "FRIENDS" comes from "philos" which denotes loved, dear, or friendly. [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] Strong's Lexicon defines it as a friend, an associate, he who associates familiarly with one, or a companion. The disciples would still be servants of the Lord, but the relationship was closer than that. Jesus called them "FRIENDS" and that FRIENDSHIP toward the Lord was reflected in their obedience to carrying out His Will.

We sing hymns such as "I Have Found A FRIEND in Jesus" (Charles W. Fry, 1881) and "What a FRIEND We Have in Jesus" (Joseph Scriven, 1855), but what kind of FRIEND are we in return? FRIENDSHIP is a mutual thing, not a one way street.

Abraham believed God and "he was called a FRIEND OF GOD." ( James 2:23) The disciples believed Jesus to be the Messiah and were willing to give their lives to serve His Will and He called them "FRIENDS." As we rejoice in the FRIENDLINESS of both the Father and the Son toward us, may our life reflect our appreciation through continued belief and surrender to serving the Divine purposes for which we have been given life. Yes, with the Lord we can have both a working relationship and a FRIENDSHIP. May it be so to His glory and praise!

Have a great day KEEPING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST CLOSE!
Carl

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