One of the blessings of being a member of the body of Christ is knowing that you can travel anywhere and find family, others who are like-minded and bound to you through the blood of the Lamb. There is an instant connection to folks who otherwise would be total strangers, a heart connection sewn together by the truths of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit.

I love that. I love knowing there’s a vast army of steadfast Christian soldiers ready to stand up for Truth all over the world. We agree, and we’re convinced because we’ve all had an undeniable encounter with the living God. Truth is truth no matter where you live, no matter when you’ve lived. Truth never changes; time cannot change it. It is written; therefore, it is. Therefore, He is. Once you’ve met Him, you know.

I recently had the pleasure of traveling from my current home in Louisville to Louisiana for several weeks, and I had the honor of worshiping at a local church there. I was amazed by the friendliness, the warm hugs for a stranger. But, after all, we’re one in Christ, and that oneness was expressed beautifully. All of the Scripture and most of the songs were familiar. 

The message was inspiring and, for the most part, scripturally based. It was part of a series, “Best Friends Forever.” The premise was “Don’t leave here today without making Jesus your best friend.” That’s cool. That’s contemporary, I guess. Maybe it’s just a matter of perception, but something left me feeling unsettled.

Of course, there have been many times over the years when I have been able to identify Jesus as a close friend. I’ve often thought of the precious words to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” a hymn sung when I was a child, and of how much more those words mean to me now.  Especially as I’ve learned to pray continually, as prayer has become part of my vernacular, I sense more of a comradeship-type relationship with Christ than ever before.

But when I think of friendship in general and how that’s defined, for the most part my Lord and Savior cannot fit within that description. He is so above friendship. Have I or would I ever surrender my life in total obedience to my friends? Do I see them as holy, reverent, omnipotent, majestic, just or sovereign? Will any of my friends ever reign over the earth or will every knee bow to any of them? Some of them may think so, but I can tell you unequivocally no. 

I heard nothing in the sermon about Lordship, about learning to surrender in obedience to a Holy God. I know that’s not a popular message. The message of surrender or submission might not grow a church in terms of numbers, but it’s the only way to grow genuine faith. It’s the only way to truly glorify and honor the risen King with your body as a living sacrifice. I heard nothing in the sermon that placed Jesus Christ on the throne where He belongs.  *sigh*

I had the blessing later that day to share a meal with another family from that church. The sermon came up in conversation. When asked what I thought, I hesitated. Should I be honest?  Then the hosting husband went on to express his frustration with the topic of the series and how he felt it dishonored the Lord by failing to recognize His headship over us. Whew!  Blessed agreement! I love how the Holy Spirit works. 

How sad when some pastors underestimate the spiritual discernment and scriptural knowledge of their congregants. Oftentimes they see their greater responsibility as growing church membership by pleasing the crowd with entertaining messages. In the meantime, we’re hungering for deep feeding and exhortation from God’s Word and longing for a worship experience that nails us to the cross. Because we know Him intimately, we know when truth has been replaced by warm fuzzies. 

Is Jesus my friend? Yes, sometimes, but he is infinitely more than a friend. He is Lord. He is King.  He is Holy. He is the One, the great I Am. I stand in reverent awe of Him, and sometimes I fall prostrate before Him. I am absolutely nothing without Him, a sinner saved by grace because His love and mercy are boundless. 

My life in Him did not take full flight until the head knowledge I possessed took a 14-inch freefall to my heart. Only in the heart could that knowledge manifest and grow into power. (Eph. 3)  Once I realized the fullness of God’s power, I was then able to walk in that fullness, depending on His resurrection power to raise me to victory. What does that mean exactly?  Simple.  I had to surrender to my Lord and King.

All glory to my King.

 Joy in Jesus,

 Jacquee