EPHESIANS 3:12

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

TO PONDER

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself the question of who our God really is?  Yes, He is our Saviour, our Shepherd, He's almighty, loving, caring and gracious.

As I concluded some theology study through ACOM some years back and then embarked on a Cert IV in School Chaplaincy, this training helped me answer the question of what our God is not!  A Chaplain in the State school environment is required to be non-faith based (sadly, in my opinion) to maintain the school's neutrality with regard a direct association with any one faith.

Part of the Cert. IV required students to study and demonstrate an understanding of multiple faiths (my primary focus outside Christianity was Islam). The stark observation I made from other faiths I looked at was that their god's were often threatening in nature, with stated consequences such as punishment including 'hard-times' for believers where rules were not met or religious criteria such as prayer times were not followed. The other stand-out observation for me was that believers of other faiths needed to 'earn their own way' to share in their god's rewards and riches!

Christianity couldn't be further from these observations! Our God loved the entire world and human race so deeply, that He sent His one and only Son Jesus to live with us, die, and rise from the tomb so all believers would be saved from their sin and receive the promise of eternal life with Him. Who else would do this?  

As Christian's we receive this gift through grace, and grace alone. We do not earn it or participate in some reward system, no, God accepts us for who we are, with no retribution for our inevitable continued failures. Who else in their right mind would do this?  Only a best friend would do such things. 

This for me, provides deeper answers to the question of who God really is. He is living, He is our counsellor, our confidant and without doubt our best friend!  The beautiful hymn titled "What a friend we have in Jesus" and the lyrics themselves say it all. Who else can we approach with absolute freedom and confidence at any time to discuss any topic? As the lyrics state, "Take it to the Lord in prayer".   

PRAYER: God of Grace. I will never fully understand Your unfathomable love for me, which is totally undeserved. Continue to walk with me in life's journey and remind me that I can approach you with absolute freedom and confidence on any matter at any time, as you are my best friend.  Amen   

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping