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. John 15.15
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Mat 28: 17-20
Comment
We have a lot on at the moment. We’re feeling daunted… a bit out of our depth, finding a place of balance is not easy. It is easy to become irritable and without peace. At the end of a meeting yesterday a friend reminded us that Jesus loves us. Sometimes comments like this are somewhat annoying but this time it stopped me in my tracks. Not only does he love us but he’s with us.
It’s easy to forget that we have a friend with us. A companion who knows us, is trustworthy and loves us and has authority over everything.
We are not alone.
Yet regularly I behave as if I am ‘in it alone’, carrying the burdens of the world on my shoulders. It is not a pretty sight!
How would it look if you knew and believed you had such a friend alongside you… personally and as a couple?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, many times I forget you are with me, and with us, please forgive me. May we know your presence and friendship in a new and real way. In the light of this may we behave like new people, new creations – full of the joy and peace and hope and power that comes from knowing you. Thank you that having died and raised from the dead you did not leave us alone. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, It’s so easy to live life based on the material world around us. We lift up _____ and _____ to you and pray that they will know your presence and friendship and love in a new way. We pray that they will experience new joy and peace and hope and power that comes from knowing you. Amen.
Final quote
No man is an island (John Donne, poet and priest)
