Father, always be our friend, and help us to be yours.
Choosing our friends is very important. One of the reasons why this is getting sent at the last minute is because we've just had an attempt to break into our house in Milton Keynes. Someone tried on Monday morning and again on Wednesday. From the comments of the Police, our house was to be used for a drugs party or similar on Wednesday night. We had a few 16-20 years olds walk up to the house then run away when they saw me inside. I doubt they were the ones who attempted the break-in as the offender could not gain access, but by their attitude they knew that they were doing wrong, or why run away?
Someone was being less than a friend to them by trying to get them into trouble in more ways than one.
That's why it is so important to choose our friends correctly. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he could not do the job alone, and that he would have to leave the ministry to others after he ascended to heaven. So he chose twelve special 'friends' to help him with his job.
Even here there was problems. Judas would betray him. Sometimes it's hard to stay friends with someone. You feel they've done something that can't be forgiven. But Jesus knew Judas would do something that would be to his hurt.
Jesus knew what his 'friends' were like. He knew who to trust and those whom he confided in. He knew who would support him and protect him. That's why we band together, and why any group does the same.
There's quite a few jobs that can't be done by one person, but is easy with two or more.
In the same way, Jesus knows we can't do everything ourselves. That is why he helps us and protects us. That was why he died that we have a chance to live on, in his kingdom.
why did Jesus choose 12 disciples?
why are friends important?
John 15: 14 says "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. "
How can we do what Jesus commands?