Finding a Friend of God
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation….Burst into songs of joy together (Isaiah 52: 7, 9)
Over the past several weeks, we’ve begun each of the worship services singing a song entitled “Friend of God.” The lyrics are based upon the words of John 15:13-15 in which Jesus says to His disciples ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s
business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.’ As we sing this song, we are invited to greet the people who have come to worship God. Some of the people are old friends whom we’ve known for many years and friends whom we see often. Others are friends whom we haven’t seen recently. Still others are friends of God whom we’ve yet to meet!
As we ‘burst forth in song,’ we also recall the words of the prophet Isaiah that invite us to look up to see the messenger who proclaims the good news peace and salvation. With an almost indescribable sense of hope we gather in the presence of God for worship and renewal. Some come with prayers for healing and comfort others come with great rejoicing for prayers that have been answered. Others coming longing to simply know the will of God for their lives. As followers of Jesus, we share with others all that we have learned and all that we are learning from God and about God. This process of sharing relates to the ways that we are being formed as disciples, or followers, of God.
Becoming a disciple is a life-changing and life-long process that involves transforming, inviting and sharing. The ways that we have change and desire to change can be inspired by our encounters with God and with the people of God. In addition to worshipping together, we are also invited to grow and serve together through the ministries of the church. By serving together, we have even more opportunities to learn from each other about the ways the Word of God brings the peace of God.
The discussion this week from “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer focuses on examining the ways we are formed intentionally and unintentionally by our habits. We all have habits—things we do regularly. Some are good and some are bad. Comer reminds us that “one of the best ways to begin to change is to replace an unhealthy habit with the practice of reading Scripture daily.” What is one habit that you can replace with reading the Bible daily? It is probably much easier to envision reducing a habit rather than replacing a habit initially. Gradual changes are usually more appealing than dramatic shifts. Please plan to participate in the church-wide study led by Dean Sutton on Thursday evenings at 6:30 over the next few weeks is zoom. We’ll also continue our discussions on discipleship during worship on Sunday mornings. We’ll also continue are looking forward to seeing you. Be a friend of God. Make a friend of God. Bring a friend of God.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
