Relationship Diligence (Jan 2011)

   Just what is a casual friend?  There are people we see once in a while, people with whom we can have superficial conversations.  “The weather has been unusual.”  “Are you going to watch the Superbowl?  Who is your favorite team to win?”  “Who do you think will make it to the World Series?”  These are people with whom we would probably not have a deep conversation, people to whom we would not “bare our soul.”  We sometimes refer to these friends as acquaintances.  These are people we recognize, probably remember their names, greet as our paths cross, possibly even know a little something about them (the little they may be inclined to reveal in casual conversation), but there is no enduring relationship.

   Sometimes we go to church, once a week, maybe more, maybe less.  We know the songs, the repeated or traditional prayers, the service traditions, the rituals.  We sing the songs, repeat the prayers, follow the rituals sometimes without much thought; we go through the motions.  Once the service is over our obligation has ceased.  God is no longer important until our next obligatory service time.  Have we relegated God to the same position as one of our casual friends?  Is that really all there is to God and religion – a casual friendship?  Is that the friendship He desires of us?

   Actually, God is pretty specific.  He stated that He was jealous for our commitment and relationship.

Abraham was rewarded.  He had such a relationship with God that God determined to let Abraham know what He was about to do to Sodom.  This relationship was such that Abraham and God could have a conversation about it.  Abraham pleaded for the righteous people in the city, and God listened to the pleas (Gen. 18:17-33).  Abraham also had such a love and trust of God, his friend, that he could attempt to sacrifice Isaac knowing that God could raise Isaac from the dead (Gen 22, Heb 11:17-19).  

Moses spoke with God as a man speaks to his friend, face to face (Ex 33:11).  God showed Moses the pattern of the tabernacle.  God showed Moses that Jesus would come and bring complete deliverance from sin.  The relationship was such that at one time Moses actually argued with God (Ex 33:12-17).  Moses would have been pretty confident in his relationship with God to attempt an argument.  He had to know God well enough to know that God would not destroy him for his impudence.

Jacob was in great distress.  God had made promises to Jacob about his descendants.  Yet, Jacob’s brother Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men.  When Jacob and Esau parted company many years earlier, it was not on good terms.  Jacob was afraid of losing his life and the lives of his wives and children.  He spent the night in fervent prayer, wrestling with a man Jacob later realized was a manifestation of God.  Jacob prevailed, won success, in his prayers (Gen 32:24-30).  Have you ever spent the night in prayer, in distress over a situation?  God was ready for Jacob.  He is ready to spend time with you as well, and will allow you to prevail also.

David was honored when God told him that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever.  David spent time with God thanking Him for such an honor (II Sam 7:12-29).  David saw through the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament (Psa 40:6-10) and explained that God did not want to rule us as a horse or mule with a bit and bridle.  He wants us to understand Him (Psa 32:8-9).  How did David know these things?  He knew God as a close friend.  God showed him.   

Paul had a problem he described as a “thorn in the flesh.”  Paul went to God three times to ask that the “thorn” be removed.  Paul indicated that God emphatically answered, “No.  My grace is sufficient for you.”  Paul was able to accept the answer and even had an understanding of the reason.  He knew God and knew that God had his best interest in mind (II Cor 12:7-10).  Paul also demonstrated an understanding and close friendship with God during a storm at sea.  He encouraged the sailors and other traveling companions by indicating that God was with him and told him that although the ship would be destroyed, all the travelers would be safe.  Paul’s friendship with God allowed him to be at peace in that extreme circumstance and allowed Paul to give that peace to those who traveled with him (Acts 27:18-44).

Elijah was a prophet but no different than us.  The scriptures state that he was subject to the same passions and weaknesses (James 5:17-18).  Yet, he prayed for the rain to stop, and there was no rain for years.  Then he prayed for the rain and it started again.  This was because Elijah knew God and knew what God wanted to do to get the attention of the people (I Kings 18:21-39).

Jesus told His followers that they were His friends.  He called them friends, not servants (John 15:13-15), and He treated them as friends.  When He was arrested, He was concerned about them (John 18:8-9).  After the resurrection He still treated them as friends as He explained the purpose of His death and the fulfilled scriptures (Luke 24:44-53).  Jesus told the woman at the well that God was seeking true worshippers, ones who worshipped in spirit and truth.  God was looking for people who desired to know, and therefore worship, Him (John 4:23-24).  

Remember the scripture that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6)?  He rewards us with His friendship.  Do we want that enduring relationship and friendship or is simply “going through the motions” enough?  Are we true worshippers; do we diligently seek Him and His friendship?  When we fully comprehend what He has done for us, and what He continues to do for us, how can we not desire that friendship?  He is worth the effort.  Be a diligent seeker of that friendship, that relationship with God; not just a casual friend.