“I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.” So goes the chorus in a worship song by lyricists Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor. Friendship with God is a soul-stirring wonder, a blessing beyond our comprehension.
The Word of God offers deep insight into the nature of such a remarkable friendship and how it is available to those who trust and follow Him in obedience. Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).
In the Old Testament, God called His people “the offspring of Abraham, my friend” (Isaiah 41:8). And New Testament writer James echoes that uncommon compliment: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness—and he was called a friend of God” (James 2:23).
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, Easter is a prime season for Christ's followers to celebrate God’s gift of eternal life. The sacrifice of His Son is proof of His offering this level of supernatural friendship to all who follow Him.
How Abraham Found It
My recent Bible study has included how God tested His friend Abraham by calling him to take the life of his son Isaac on a fiery altar (Genesis 22:1-18). I’m struck by a kind of foreshadowing (for lack of a better word) in Abraham’s response to God’s call. It includes numerous details that have a parallel with the crucifixion of Christ.
For example, Abraham rose early that fateful morning and saddled a donkey to follow God’s instruction. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem shortly before his coming crucifixion.
On the third day of travel, Abraham saw the mountain where God had told him to sacrifice Isaac. Jesus was in the grave until the third day, resurrection day.
Abraham loaded the boy down with wood and proceeded to the spot to build the altar. Ah, yes … Jesus carried His own wooden cross.
Isaac said to Abraham, “My father … Look. The fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7).
“God will provide,” the father replied. And, of course, He did.
Abraham proceeded in obedience to God’s command. He prepared the altar, tied up Isaac, and laid him atop the pile of wood. Apparently, that burden would now become the instrument of the son’s death.
Fortunately for Isaac, his father’s willingness to sacrifice his son led God to rescue young Isaac from death. God turned Abraham’s eyes to a ram caught in a thicket, an acceptable substitute to offer on the altar.
Of course, that’s where the parallel details cease. Isaac’s life was spared, but Jesus’s life was not. God’s plan to offer us redemption required the painful crucifixion of His own Son to cover the cost of our sins.
How We Can Find It
Another key phrase early in the account may be easily overlooked. It speaks of the depth of Abraham’s faith. When he looked ahead to the site of the altar, he told the two men who had traveled with them, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” (Genesis 22:5).
Yes, Abraham was willing to honor God’s initial command, but he had faith in God’s provision: “I and the boy … will come again to you.”
I urge others to read again the Genesis narrative of Abraham’s obedience. Read with close attention. Look for more keywords that foreshadow the gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ walk of sorrow to Calvary. His crucifixion is among countless Old Testament passages that point to the New Testament story of God’s great plan.
How does all of this apply to our walk with Jesus today? How do we get hold of that heavenly level of friendship with Him? Remember His own words:
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you (John 15:14).
