Listen:
You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14)
Reflect:
Friendship is a beautiful and complex thing. Typically, friendships are born on the fertile ground of shared passions, stage of life, or similar context that creates possibility for mutual understanding and support. This verse changes the typical to atypical and to mystery. It is strange to say that a true friend obeys the other person’s commands. It does not feel nor sound like friendship to me – at first. It rather sounds like a boss, an older sibling, or a parent. This verse seems strange.
As I am writing this article I am at a camp for underprivileged children and I am in awe with their creativity, beauty, strength and spunkyness. I became their friend this week. And I love being their friend! BUT, I am not just their friend, I am also their leader. I give them directions that they have to obey (in order to have fun, but also be safe). They trust me and our team for food and they follow our lead. It is possible to have deep friendships not just with peers, but with people who are leading us, who are caring for us, who are creating opportunities for us. The tone and dynamics of those friendships are not the tone and dynamics of peer relationships, but there is something so deep and special about becoming friends with those who love us from a place of leadership. Friendship does not exclude obedience, and vice versa.
This is important for me to understand as I navigate the complex world of friendships, and it is lifegiving! The King wants to be my friend, of course submission to his kingship is part of the package. Rules don’t bend for the family and friends of the King. They apply to all. But his rules are good and give me protection. Plus, I get to be the King’s friend!
Prayer of Response:
King of kings, I am thankful that I get to be your friend. I am aware that it came with a huge cost for you! Bless our friendship and grow it. And as our friendship and closeness grow, my trust in you increases and so do my faith, joy, peace and steadfastness. I belong to you, King and friend! Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- What is your history with friendships? Have they come easy to you, or is your journey more complicated, though rewarding?
- What are some benefits to you right now of the fact that you are the King’s friend?
- What are some of his commands that are hard to follow in this season?
- How are you experiencing the King being your friend in this season?
Breath Prayer:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): King of kings
Exhale (Breathe out): You are my friend
—Submitted by: Diana Anton
Diana lives in Bucharest, Romania and serves as the Executive Director of Lifesprings International. Her passion is to see women worldwide connected, encouraged and prepared to keep bringing the love of Jesus Christ to our communities.
Her favorite thing in this season is to read to Adam (her ten month old baby), to go on walks with Bogdan and Adam, and to dream big for what God has for the community of Lifesprings in this season. You can find her on instagram at life.on.farm.road or on her blog at www.lifeonfarmroad.com.