Abraham—Friend of God

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God" (James 2:23).

What could be better than to be a friend of God? God wants us for His friends. We become a friend of God when we respond to God as faithful Abraham did.

In the Scripture above, it says "Abraham believed God." What does that mean? The book of James explains it this way: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" (James 2:21-22). Abraham put his faith into action even when he did not understand why God asked him to do something. Believing is not real or "made perfect" until we act on God's word; else it is but vain profession.

We become the friends of God when we faithfully respond to the His word. If we are unwilling to do what the Scriptures tell us, we cannot be God's friend. How could God be a friend to one who does not trust Him or respond to His guidance?

Let us respond to God's word and the voice of the Spirit as He faithfully opens the Scriptures to our hearts and minds. God knows what is best for us, and our lives will be blessed as we walk daily in His way. What a privilege!

—Silas Martin