Treasured Vignettes
“You are My friends, if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and {that} your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:14-17
No matter how many psalms and prophetic writings extol the wonderful works of God’s hand in creation, at some point, you will find the connection of God with man. It seems quite evident that God created man just to share His creation with him. I don’t think He did it out of need but out of delight. Delight just must be expressed and shared with another to be full. Just like everything else about Him, God’s delight is pure and holy.
I read an article about the righteousness and holiness of God. The author criticizes other writers who think of God as “friend,” saying that this “sentimental” idea somehow degrades God to the human level. I do agree that we should reverence God for He is holy, righteous, good, etc; but, if God chooses to befriend me, does that make Him less God? The errancy in this kind of thinking lies in the lap of man’s definition, perception and interpretation of God’s intent and character. But, then, man has always been trying to discern intentions and motives, when he can’t see beyond the outward appearance. Taking that position seems more irreverent than considering God a friend. Selah.
I read an article about the righteousness and holiness of God. The author criticizes other writers who think of God as “friend,” saying that this “sentimental” idea somehow degrades God to the human level. I do agree that we should reverence God for He is holy, righteous, good, etc; but, if God chooses to befriend me, does that make Him less God? The errancy in this kind of thinking lies in the lap of man’s definition, perception and interpretation of God’s intent and character. But, then, man has always been trying to discern intentions and motives, when he can’t see beyond the outward appearance. Taking that position seems more irreverent than considering God a friend. Selah.
© Sherron M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
See Also: forgiveness
Labels: forgiveness, love, righteousness, vignettes
