ARE YOU A SERVANT OR A FRIEND OF GOD?
"NO LONGER DO I CALL YOU SERVANTS, FOR A SERVANT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HIS MASTER IS DOING; BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
John 15:15 (NKJV)
It is at the friendship level of your relationship with God that you get to know the secrets of His Kingdom (Psalm 25:14).
A friend who is at the deeper level of friendship is called confidant—a friend to whom secrets are confided.
Things that are not revealed to those whose relationship with God is shallow would be revealed to you—If you are God's friend or confidant.
It is the delight of God that a believer grows in his or her relationship with Him.
Friendship level of relationship with God is higher than being a servant of His! (John 15:14,15).
At the friendship level you are made to know the hidden things of the Kingdom; the ways of God, whilst the acts are revealed to those with shallow relationship with Him: "HE MADE KNOWN HIS WAYS TO MOSES, HIS ACTS TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL" (Psalm 103:7 NKJV)
Another translation says:
"HE SHOWED MOSES HOW HE WORKS TO HELP HIS PEOPLE. HE SHOWED THE ISRAELITES THE GREAT THINGS THAT HE COULD DO."
Psalm 103:7 (EasyEnglish Bible)
In other words, the depth of your relationship with God determines the depth of the things that would be revealed or shown to you about Himself and His Kingdom (Numbers 12:6-8).
READ: Genesis 18:16-21; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23
Someone who has gotten to the friendship level in his or her relationship with God will be privy, or have access, to the top secrets of the Kingdom (Genesis 18:17; Psalm 25:14).
• It was said of Moses that among the prophets he was in a class, which no one else was. Whilst God speaks through dreams and visions and dark sayings to others, He speaks face to face or mouth to mouth with Moses (Numbers 12:6-8).
• Jesus also told His disciples that He would no longer call them servants but friends:
14 YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. 15 NO LONGER DO I CALL YOU SERVANTS, FOR A SERVANT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HIS MASTER IS DOING; BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, FOR ALL THINGS THAT I HEARD FROM MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN TO YOU" (John 15:14,15 NKJV)
You also can work yourself to the friendship level, in your relationship with God; like Abraham did, Moses and the twelve disciples of Christ Jesus (Isaiah 41:8; John 15:14,15; James 2:23).
Even among the disciples of Christ Jesus, some had close communion with Him; they were the three—Peter, James and John—He usually took to special places.
• The trio were with Jesus when to raise Jairus daughter (Mark 5:37-42).
• Also on the mountain of transfiguration, they were with Him (Matthew 17:1-8).
• And at the garden of Gethsemane, they were the ones He took aside to pray with Him (Matthew 26:36-39).
Note:
• It shows us that Jesus' relationship with the multitudes was at one level (Matthew 13:1-3,10,11).
• Whilst His relationship with the seventy He appointed and sent out to preach was at another level (Luke 10:1).
• And His relationship with the twelve disciples was in another level that is higher (Matthew 13:10-17; Mark 4:10-12; Luke 9:1,2).
• And at the top was His relationship with the three; Peter, James, and John (Mark 5:37; Matthew 17:1).
• Even out of the three, one was still closer to Him than others, John the son of Zebedee. What others could not ask Jesus, they send John to ask Him—he was said to always lean on Jesus' bosom (John 13:21-26).
The point being made is that you should strive and work to build your relationship with God to a friendship level (Isaiah 41:8).
• Abraham operated with God in His journey on earth and he was called God's friend (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23).
• Moses also got to the level of talking with God face to face or mouth to mouth (Numbers 12:6-8).
• And the twelve disciples of Christ Jesus also operated at the friendship level with Him (John 15:14,15).
You also can be added to the list of those who walk with God at the friendship level.
• The friendship level is not exclusive, it is attainable if you desire it.
• All you need is the unwavering commitment and total summisiveness in your walk with God.
• It is being willing to do God's bidding all the time, whether it is convenient or not (1 Corinthians 4:10-13; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 11:23-33; 2 Timothy 4:2).
Note in conclusion:
You do not need to be a minister of God before you become God's friend.
• Abraham was not a preacher but a cattle rearer, yet he walked with God intimately (Genesis 12:1-4; 17:1,2; Hebrews 11:8-10,17).
• Enoch also walked with God (Genesis 5:22-24).
You would not need to wait and become a minister before your relationship or walk with God be deepened and intimate.
Intimacy with God is built through hourly and daily obedience to God's written word and the instructions given to you through the Holy Spirit on the inside of you (Psalm 1:1-3; Romans 8:14; Hebrews 11:8; James 1:22-25).
It is the intimacy that leads to friendship!
Peace.