This Is My Beloved, and This Is My Friend
God is our personal, loving friend who is always ready to aid us in times of need.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound significance of God as our friend, inviting us to reflect on the deep bonds of friendship we have experienced in our lives. He encourages us to recognize that God is not only a friend but infinitely more, being personally invested in our lives and offering unwavering support and love. Simpson highlights the importance of prayer as a means to connect with our heavenly Friend, who is always ready to assist us in our times of need. By recalling the acts of love from our earthly friends, we can better appreciate the depth of God's friendship and His promises to us. Ultimately, God desires an intimate fellowship with each of us, making Him our most trusted companion.
Text
God is our friend. Which of you shall have a friend, . . . at midnight? asked Jesus (Luke 11:5). This concept of God as our friend has deep significance for each one of us. Who has not had a friend, who in some respects was more of a friend than anyone in the family? Reflect upon that friendship. Recall each act of love. Think of all you could trust that friend to do for you and all the ways in which he or she stood by you. Then as you concentrate the whole weight of recollection and affection, put God in that place of confidence and realize He is all that friend has been and infinitely more. Our Friend!
The one who is personally interested in us, who has set His heart upon us, who has come near to us in the tender and delicate intimacy of unspeakable fellowship.
He has given us invaluable pledges and promises, He has done very much for us, He is ever ready to go to any trouble or expense to aid us. To Him we come in prayer-our heavenly Friend.
Sermon Outline
- God as Our Friend
- God's Nature as Friend
- God's Promises and Actions as Friend
- Invaluable pledges and promises
- Ready to aid us in trouble or expense
Key Quotes
“He has given us invaluable pledges and promises, He has done very much for us, He is ever ready to go to any trouble or expense to aid us.” — A.B. Simpson
“To Him we come in prayer-our heavenly Friend.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Realize God's personal interest in your life and trust Him with your deepest needs.
- Come to God in prayer, knowing He is your heavenly Friend.
- Reflect on God's invaluable pledges and promises, and trust in His readiness to aid you.