JUNE 14, 2013
Imaginary
Friend?
Read: Romans
1:18-25
Abraham believed God . . . and he was called the friend of God. —James 2:23
Not
long ago, I heard about this billboard along the highway: “God is an imaginary
friend—choose reality. It will be better for all of us.”
Obviously,
the bold statement compares Christians to children whose vivid imaginations
invent a make-believe companion. But is that what God is—an imaginary friend?
Actually,
the evidence favors His reality. Ponder these ideas: The creation of the world
shows there is a Designer behind the universe (Rom. 1:18-20). The conscience
indicates
a Lawgiver behind each human’s sense of right and wrong (Rom.
2:14-15). The creativity
we express in music and art reflect the same attribute
that the Creator possesses
(Ex. 35:31-32). Christ reveals what God is like in
human form (Heb. 1:1-4). And the
communion or fellowship of the Spirit in the
Christian heart manifests the reality of God
(Gal. 5:22-23).
The
Bible tells us there will be those who deny the reality of God (2 Peter 3:4-6).
But
James reminds us of His reality and how an Old Testament believer
befriended Him:
“‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness.’ And he was
called the friend of God” (James 2:23). Have you met
the redeeming God? He gave His
Son to become your real, eternal Friend (John
15:15).
I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him. —Small
The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared to
Jesus. —Chambers
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
