Friends With God

Abraham is known by God as His friend.  Three times in scripture this man of great faith is called "the friend of God."  II Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23.  Abraham was recognized as God's friend because in the words of God: "For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon him that which he hath spoken of him."  Genesis 18:19.  Abraham "went out and journeyed in a strange country" and "offered up Isaac."  Hebrews 11:9,17.  What God asked Abraham to perform, Abraham always complied.  His faith in God was an obedient faith that prompted him to do as God asked.  Jesus promised His followers, "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you."  John 15:14.  The commandments of God are not grievous commandments.  I John 5:3.  The burden which Jesus lays upon us is not a heavy burden.  Matthew 11:30.  The service to which we are called is reasonable service.  Romans 12:1.  Friendship with God is a friendship that remains throughout life if we so choose.  God does not leave nor does He forget His friends.  We, like Abraham, can be "thy friend forever."