“And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.” (James 2:23)
To truly understand the significance of this verse, we must first consider the world in which Abraham lived. His generation had turned away from God, caught between two extremes: idolatry on one side and disbelief on the other.
If we stop to think about it, today’s world isn’t much different. Many people don’t truly believe in God, and instead place their faith in various things – horoscopes, luck, or even the colour of their clothing, believing it will shape their destiny.
Abraham lived in such a world, yet within him was a sincerity and a longing for something greater and more meaningful. This was evident in the way he treated his wife, Sarah. Since she couldn’t bear him children, Abraham could have taken another wife, as was customary at the time. But instead, he chose not to bring shame upon her.
Another example of his character is seen when his brother passed away. Abraham took responsibility for his nephew Lot, raising him as if he were his own son. These actions reflect a man of integrity and compassion. Most importantly, despite being raised in a culture of many gods, Abraham chose to believe in the One True God, and above all, to obey Him. It was this obedience that led God to call Abraham His friend.
The best part is that God can also be your friend. That’s right, just as Abraham walked closely with the Lord, you too can form that same bond. However, to take possession of this promise, we must follow the example of Abraham: serve God regardless of the opinions or behaviours of those around us and remain faithful and obedient, even when circumstances seem unfavourable.
As Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:14). If you commit yourself to build a personal relationship – a covenant – with Him and obey His voice, He will surely reveal Himself to you. And when God is your friend, what more could you possibly need?
The benefits of this divine friendship are clearly illustrated in God’s promises to Abraham: “Blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:17–18)
So, are you willing to follow in Abraham’s footsteps and develop a close connection with the Most High?
Join us this Sunday at 10am (also at 7.30am) at your nearest Universal Church, where you will learn how to serve Him better and build a strong, unbreakable communion with Him.
Event: Sunday Morning Service
Day and time: Every Sunday at 10am (Also at 7.30am)
Location: Your local Universal Church
