Higher Everyday for Saturday, October 18, 2014

TITLE : A FRIEND INDEED 

TEXT:“And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave thee or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16)

A friend is a person (other than a relative) with whom one is in terms of mutual affection: a supporter of a course; a person on the same side in a conflict. Naomi was the mother-in-law to Ruth. After the death of Ruth’s husband, she left her land of birth (Moab) which was given to idolatry and followed Naomi to the land of Israel despite repeated persuasions to go back. The relationship between friends can only be sustained when both parties have some common characteristics such as faith and trust in the same God. There will be love, openness and selflessness without envy and betrayal. It is instructive to note that the Bible never uses the word ‘Friend’ for opposite sex who is not married to each other. A loyal friend is someone you can confide in, trust and share your hopes and dreams with. A sinner, unbeliever or backslider must not be your friend. Above all, you must make Jesus your best friend by being born again.

• Challenge: Have you found a friend in Jesus?
• Prayer:Lord, make me a friend of Jesus
• Further Reading:1 Samuel 19:1-5
• Quotation:Make Jesus your best friend.