“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23 italics mine
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:14-15 italics mine
The Friendship of God is an intimate one. We see in John 15:15 that this intimacy is one of a deep revealing communication with Christ. Jesus says that the reason He calls us friends is because He has made known unto us all the things that He heard of the Father. This is a relationship of revelation.
This is the Friendship of God.
Oh what an amazing Friend He is! One Who has counted us righteous – standing right with Him – rather than condemned. He is a true Friend, who demonstrated the greatest love of all when He laid down His life for those He calls friends.
Theophilus is a proper name that means “friend of God.” It just happens to be the name of the person to whom Luke addressed his gospel and the book of Acts. Or was it? Perhaps, through revelation, Luke was not writing to just one person… but to all those who would call upon the Name of Jesus… to all those who He would then call friends.
When you read these books from Luke take them personally. Know that when Jesus is asked where you stand with Him His reply is that you are a “most excellent friend” (Luke 1:3) and you have become that friend, you enjoy the Friendship of God because of the revelation of Jesus Christ!
Dwell in this friendship. Live in it. Know the Friend He is. And share that friendship.
SDG
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