November 10, 1998, Tuesday

Does God dislike people who do not obey Him or follow His

commandments? When you are in need of something, are you

ashamed or uncomfortable to ask for help? Do you believe

it is possible to have a true friendship with someone that

has enslaved you or made you a possession as a servant?

Jesus declared His friendship to sinners, but did not

give a license to sin--"The Son of Man came eating and

drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber,

He's a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But

wisdom is justified by her children" (Mat 11:19). The

evidence of the justification is the life changed from

sin to righteousness. That cannot be accomplished by a

man's way, only God's way. God is the friend of man.

Jesus disclosed that simply being friends was not always

sufficient to receive an answer to a request. He gave an

example of a friend in need that would not go away or take

no for an answer from his friend---"I say to you, though

he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend,

yet because of his persistent strong request he will rise

and give him as much as he needs" (Luk 11:8). The person

making such a strong request has humbled himself to show

his need but also persists until he receives his petition.

Jesus knew that for a person to be His friend, one should

be free to make that decision. He disclosed His plans to

His disciples as friends that would do His will and be part

of His kingdom---"No longer do I call you servants, for

a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I

have called you friends, for all things that I heard from

My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Jesus

believed that a friend would not enslave another, but would

seek to teach them freedom from what could enslave them.

Let us remember who is our Best Friend. God's name is

Jehová Adonai . He is the God who accepts us as we are

without any modifications. He can only change us to a new

creature if we come as we are, but Praise God, He receives

us. Lift your hands to your Best Friend. Praise Him and thank

Him for all the blessings of His acceptance and friendship.