The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
Genesis 12:1 NIV
God chose Abraham, set him apart to be the father of a people known by the God they follow. Abraham’s choice in obedience led him to be known as a “friend of God.”
Abraham lived in relationship with God without the establishment of the Law. He heard God’s voice and followed; no rules required. He was satisfied in relationship. Sin, however, kept future generations from maintaining such a close tie to the Lord.
Jan Winebrenner writes about this kind of relationship:
His approval satisfies—we don’t need to put on a religious show.
God’s power is sufficient. God’s presence is enough.
jan Winebrenner, Intimate Faith: A Woman’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines
The years of living under the Law proved man incapable of complete obedience to the ways of God without divine intervention, and yet, he still does not force it on us. Even though he first chose us, first loved us, first made the way for us through Christ, we still must choose him.
Oh, when we do! Nothing satisfies the soul like Jesus. Living in perfect love and relationship—with the Son of God! What an honor. What a privilege.
Are you a friend of God today? Are you basking in this knowledge? Do you feel a sense of wonder in the fact you’ve been freely given and have freely received the ability to be in relationship with God?
What other relationship of this world satisfies like his? Take time today to thank God for the blessing of being chosen as his child. Confess times you’ve taken this for granted and renew your desire to delve deeper in love and relationship with him.
It’s what you’re made for!
Grace and Peace