When you need a friend, here’s the One better than any other
By Dean Collins
Fear and friendship don’t hang out together. I have found over and over that my closest friends help me overcome those moments and situations that make me anxious or worried. Friends can’t always fix everything for us, but just listening to us as we discuss our concerns has a calming effect. We don’t fear our friends. Friends support us and often lend a hand.
The children of Israel needed reminding that God had not forgotten them in their exile. He would send one to deliver them yet again. In many places in scripture, the prophets and later the apostles remind us that God hasn’t and never will forget us. He makes a way for us. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is superior in every way. As time passed in the first few decades of the church, the persecution of the church increased. Some believers began to wonder if the older ways of the Jewish faith were better. The writer of Hebrews contends that Jesus is the better way and that believers are to trust in the faithfulness of God expressed fully in Jesus. The writers of the New Testament scriptures assure us that Jesus is our Savior, our priest, our advocate, our mighty king, but also our friend.
Hope and help
The strong word of Isaiah for the exiles seeking hope and help is still a strong message for us today. Our deliverer won’t be a king or political leader. Jesus is our king, and all of the weight of deliverance rests in him. Just as Isaiah reminded those who would return to Jerusalem after the exile, Hebrews reminds us that our Savior will return to us. Just as Abraham was called a friend of God because of his belief in God’s promises, Jesus calls us his friends and makes his plans known to us.
Listen to Isaiah’s words of encouragement: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Everything about the teachings of Jesus tells us he will do the same. The apostles and other writers of the New Testament confirm Jesus is reliable and available now and will come in glory to restore all things.
All that and more
I am grateful for my friends. They encourage me. They listen to me on good days and hard days. They will step in and help with their hands, their time, and their resources. They are reliable. But as great as I think my friends are, I am confident that Jesus is all that and more. He is my ultimate source of strength. He will never let go of me when I am in need. He is strong and mighty and reaches down his hand to help. And he will uphold us before the Father where he has already covered our sin and given us access to the throne forever.
Thank God for your friends today. Stand in amazement that Jesus calls us his friends. And as the hands and feet of Jesus, be a friend to someone in need today. In light of all Jesus has done for us, being a friend of those in need is a wonderful expression of gratitude.
Your time with God’s Word
Hebrews 9:24-28; Isaiah 41:8-14; James 2:23; John 15:15 ESV
Photo by Markus Spiske at Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.
