Ron Feaker - Are You A Friend of God?

Ron Feaker, acknowledging that friends (our mates, brethren, and acquaintances in the world) are a special blessing, focuses on the close relationship between Jonathan and David in I Samuel, which thrived despite the intense jealousy and malice Jonathan's father Saul had of David, leading to near murder. The relationship between Moses and God in Exodus 33 was unique; all of the other Israelites were terrified of God, leaving Moses as sole intercessor for God's people. Sibling rivalry, as evidenced from the incidents of Cain and Abel, and the animosity between Joseph and his brothers, underscores the insight of the Proverb that a friend can stick closer than a brother. Thankfully, Joseph, a type of Christ, had no animosity toward his brothers, but realized that all things were a part of God's overall providence. Abraham was designated as the friend of God, a man having intense faith in God's promises, a man whose faith was intensely tested as God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Jesus Christ represents the ultimate friend, willing to sacrifice His life for all of mankind. We need to also strive to be God's friend.

Cain and Abel * Companion * Exodus 33:3-14 * Genesis 22:11-12; 37:1 * I Samuel 18:1-12 * Friend that sticks closer than a brother * Friend * Friends * Genesis 4:1 * James 2:23 * Jonathan and David * Joseph * John 1:1,14; 15:13-14; 17:4 * Joshua * Leviticus 19:17-18 * Offering * Proverbs 18:24 * Saul and David * Siblings * Stiff-necked people