Philos Of God.......No Longer Doulos

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word "friend" as: "A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts; One with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade."

Elements of a good friendship are trust, loyalty, honesty, truth and love.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends (Philos) , for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

Here Jesus calls us friends. No longer slaves but friends.

The word for slave is Doulos . Moses was a doulos of God in Deut 34:5 and Joshua in Josh. 24: 29 . Also David in Ps.89:20. These men counted it a honor to be called slaves of God. The Apostle Paul also counted it an honor in Titus 1:1. We read about these men in the old and new testaments and they were mighty men of God and walked in a faith that we rarely see today and yet they had no trouble humbling themselves and being called servants.

However many years latter Jesus came on the scene and now we see in John that HE is offering us something greater? HE is offering us friendship. Friends with God, allied in a struggle or cause ; a comrade, intimacy with God which is much greater than any of the great men knew before Jesus came.

We are no longer as the one standing behind the ropes hoping for a glimpse of the King as he passes. No longer do we need to approach the throne with head down and fearful of his gaze.

We are no longer servants, but partners, comrade’s friends of the most high God.

HE gave us a greater joy than being a servant HE offered HIMself as a friend.

For us to get to know Jesus, and understand HIM and call HIM friend we must read the gospel accounts, the New Testament and the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophecies tell of Jesus as the coming Messiah.

HE shared with us HIS life and HIS love of the Father, HE shares with us HIS tenderness toward others and HIS compassion for the lost. HE shares with us HIS longing to see those that are cast down to be lifted. HE shares with us…….. HE is our friend. We are not beneath HIM, we are friends that walk along side HIM. We are joint heirs with the Father…..

Romans 8:17

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Jesus is a perfect friend. He sets us a perfect example of love, friendship and loyalty.

Jesus left us an example for us to follow: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Pet 2:21)

He is a friend that stays closer than any brother or sister..

There were times in my life that I cried alone.

NOW....

HE is my friend, HE walks with me in the cool of the evening. We talked about my joys and my sorrows. HE cries with me as a good friend would, HE laughs with me and we dance in the grass. HE is the one that I seek out when my heart is heavy and I have no understanding. HE has been there; HE knows the sorrow and the loneliness. He shares with me the love of the Father and tells me of the things I should know. HE teaches me and instructs me in the path that I should follow. HE is never more than a breath away and HE is always there to listen. HE is my friend. I am never alone.

HE is with the Father and HE watches over me. HE calls me HIS friend. HE knows the way home, I will follow HIM.