Friendship With Our King | CBN.com

Ahithophel was counselor to the king; and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. (1 Chronicles 27:33, NASB)

Let the truth set you free! We’ve probably all been there. There are parts of the Bible, if we are being honest, that we endure to get to the areas that speak to us. Genealogy chapters in Numbers, instructions about dealing with skin diseases in Leviticus, and dividing up the land of Canaan in Joshua make this list for many.

I imagine very few people would choose the above over reading the Gospels, David defeating Goliath or Paul’s encouraging letter to the Ephesians. Yet, the Bible tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God… (2 Timothy 3:16). Yes, that includes the long lists of “so-and-so begat so-and-so.” Even the parts we may not gravitate toward are still food for our Spirit.

For example, this happened to me recently while reading 1 Chronicles 27. This chapter focuses on King David and the many men assigned as commanders in Israel’s army, various overseers of royal possessions and his counselors. It is a long list and not exactly captivating to read. Yet each of these men was essential in stewarding assignments on the king’s behalf.

Close to the end of this list of names comes Hushai the Archite. Hushai is named simply as King David’s friend. Out of the many important roles in the kingdom of Israel, God made sure to include that Hushai was King David’s friend. It cannot be overly stated how high an honor it was in ancient times to be known as a friend of a king. As I was reading this chapter, the Father highlighted to me how significant Hushai’s relationship with David was. Being a friend of the king was mentioned alongside military commanders and political advisors.

There is a powerful life lesson for us in this. It is quite easy to focus on working for Jesus, our King. Drawing our identity from the things we are doing for God can be very seductive. Yet, Jesus on the night of His betrayal made sure His disciples knew that He called them friends. And the proof of being His friends would be in how they treated one another. “You are My friends if you do what I command you. … This I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:14, 17)

Out of the many terms He could have used, Jesus chose a term of relational endearment. In other words, Jesus (our King) still prioritizes friendship over positions of responsibility. God doesn’t need our friendship out of insecurity. And friendship with Him is not something to treat casually. He is still our king to obey and fulfilling the Great Commission is non-negotiable.

Yet Jesus calls us to know Him as a friend. He wants to share the secrets of His heart with us and invites us to do the same with Him. In doing so we will naturally express His heart to those around us. I encourage you to ask God today to help you walk in deeper friendship with Him. This is a sacred invitation to His heart that He longs to share with us. In fact, it is what you were created for!

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