Devotionals

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“And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him” (Matthew 26:45-50)

The very person who Jesus called a friend is the one who openly betrayed Him. Before Judas even committed the betrayal, Jesus spoke warmly to him. Of course Jesus already had identified this man who would come against Him and at the same time there was no ill will in his heart towards His friend.

That’s amazing. Jesus was never suspicious of people but still did not put His trust in them. He kept His reservoir of trust full towards His Father in heaven (even facing the crucifixion that God commanded of His Son). I want to be like Jesus when I see a friend, right in front of me that I know intends to rise up against me even though I have treated them fairly. I want to be able to continue to call him friend if only at a distance.

I cannot allow the hurtful actions of friends who have harmed me to separate me from my Lord and Savior. Yet this is exactly what wounds are intended to do – disconnect us from the love of God that shows us a more complete way to live in freedom on this earth.

Friends have a place in our lives if only temporarily. God’s place should be one of prominence above any friend or relative at any time.

PRAYER
Help us to have the right order of relationship: God, family and others. Amen.

Betsy Cobb Wise
Author, S.O.S.
[email protected]

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