bits from bob....

Speaking Friend to Friend

by Robert J. Young
©, 2002, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

One of the first sermons I preached dealt with a biography of Abraham based on various descriptions in Scripture. I especially remember that Abraham was the "friend of God" (Isa. 41:8). That concept intrigued me. More recently, I have come to relish the text of Ex. 33:11, where the conversation between Moses and the Lord at the tent of meeting is described as a conversation between friends, as when a man speaks with his friend.

The conversation of friends is unique. Friends have to talk. Friendships can endure times of separation, but friends have to talk. After a time of separation, friends merely pick up where the conversation ended previously. Friends have a unique ability to catch up and share hearts without the preliminaries. Such friends and friendships are a treasure indeed.

My wife and I share relationships like that with several missionary and ministry couples. My sister and I are special friends, and our conversations amazing (in content, length, and long distance telephone charges). Sometimes we pick up the phone because we simply feel the need to talk. I have special friendships with several close brothers in Christ. All of these help me understand how friends speak.

Such friendships are much more than an occasional long-distance conversation, because of the deep, abiding relationship that sustains the friendship. Moses apparently had such a relationship with the Lord. He enjoyed frequent, face to face conversations.

When was the last time you heard someone say, "We just have to talk." When we consider that God wants us as his friends, for that is the basic meaning of reconciliation, and when we consider what he has done and continues to do for us, conversation is natural. We enjoy a special friendship and closeness with God, especially when we consider that he has sent his Holy Spirit to dwell with us and in us. He continually speaks to us in his word, and we have the privilege of communication in prayer.

I encourage each of us to consider daily the nature of our friendship with God. Perhaps you'll find yourself picking up your Bible or beginning a prayer with these words, "God, we've just got to talk."

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*adapted in part from an article in "Our Daily Bread"


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Last updated June 3, 2002.