"...Abraham believed God...and he was called the friend of God" (James 2:23, 2 Chronicles 20:7)
Why should God bother to take Abraham into his confidence? He seems to feel a sense of obligation toward Abraham. Why? If you think about it for a moment, you will realize the stupendous implication of the story. The Lord of far-flung galaxies, the Creator of life and of all that exists, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the Inscrutable (def. - not easily understood or examined) , the Judge of angels, demons and people is taking the trouble to explain his actions to an individual, and is talking without condescension, but in terms that he can understand.
It may seem inconceivable that the same God wants such a relationship with you. You are a creature He made. You are a sinner He redeemed. You are even his child by adoption and by supernatural new birth. Yet, He calls you to a higher dignity - to that of friend and partner....
Two facts necessarily follow. If you are his friend, he will share his thoughts and plans with you ("The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. Ps. 25:14). If you are his partner, he will be concerned about your views on his plans and projects. Whatever else prayer may be, it is intended to be a sharing and a taking counsel with God on matters of importance to him. God has called you to attend a celestial board meeting to deliberate with him on matters of destiny.
You can see at once how this raises the whole level of prayer. It is not intended primarily to be centered in my plans, petty needs and woes. To be sure, God is interested in them. They have a place on the agenda. But the agenda itself has been drawn up in heaven and deals with matters of greatest consequence ("The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9). Adapted
Friendship with God...we are "blessed indeed".
Thankful for you all and...indebted,
Mitch
