Do You Really Want to be Friends?

As a parent, it is my job to not only tell my kids how to behave but to also teach them to choose to behave correctly. By teaching, I do not mean that I seek to instill in them a fear of punishment (although that may be necessary from time to time) but my goal is to instruct them to make correct choices themselves. To this end, I often try to explain the reason for my decision and I do this with increasing frequency, transparency and openness as they mature. It is one of my greatest pleasures when one of my children decides on his or her own to take an action or avoid an activity that I would have promoted or prohibited had I been required to make that decision for them.

I think this is at least part of what Jesus meant when He said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Jesus doesn’t always want to be telling us what to do; He wants us to so know His heart that we naturally choose the same things He does. Two of the greatest figures of the Bible, Abraham and Moses, were described as friends of God. With both, God shared His heart and even discussed – a two-way conversation – His plans (e.g. Genesis 18:16-33).

But getting back to my kids, at least two of mine would sometimes prefer that I just tell them what to do. Getting to know my thinking and understanding my reasoning takes time and effort. And then there’s the added responsibility. If I tell them what to do and they do it, how much trouble can they get in? If they make the decision, they may make a mistake (which they don’t realize is all part of the process). But I want them to grow up and make wise choices because they see the wisdom, not because they are following a list of rules.

So when we read that Jesus wants to be friends with us, we may think what a nice sentiment that is. But are we willing to spend the time getting to know Him so that He can share His heart? Are we willing to let go of our ways of doing things and consider the possibility that there is a better way? Are we willing to spread our wings and try to fly, knowing that we may fall more than a few times? Or do we really want to stay immature and simply servants?

Names

If I ever got a chance to talk to the Queen of England I imagine I would call her “Your Majesty” or “Queen Elizabeth”. I certainly cannot imagine using her given name, Elizabeth, although I suppose she must have some family members and even friends who are free to be that chummy. The ultimate intimacy, to call the Queen “Liz”, must surely be taken only by the closest of companions such as her husband, Prince Philip.

How much more the protocol surrounding the King of the Universe. One may call Him “Lord” or “God” and may append, if desired, appropriate adjectives (“Almighty God”, “Lord God”, “Creator God”, etc.). But to talk to Him as one talks to a friend? Unheard of.

But then why has He even deigned to let us know his name? His name is YHWH and He goes by that throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. I think He desires the closeness that is implied when we are free to use another’s name.

But what blows my mind is when I sing or say “Hallelu Yah” – “Praise Yah”. I get to call the King of the Universe by the shortened form of His proper name – a sign of a friendship that is as close as can be. It’s even better than calling Queen Elizabeth “Liz”.

And it’s what my God wishes me to call Him.