I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. (John 15:15)
In the middle of my junior year of high school, my family moved to different town. I walked across the new campus at lunchtime like a salmon making an exhausted run at the waterfall. Somewhere in the clique gauntlet, there had to be a group that would accept me before I was swept down the friendless teen river.
Back then, I believed in Jesus, but I didn’t know how to be friends with someone I couldn’t actually see. Then we found ourselves on the same team in life’s tug-of-war, and I eventually forgot he was invisible.
The creator of the universe can now be my inseparable pal. He fully understands my dysfunction and still loves me. He doesn’t blindly accept whatever I say or do. He challenges me, rigorously, and I accept his correction because he always has my best in mind.
I could be intimidated in Jesus’s company, what with him being in the Holy Trinity and all. But I know he too was tempted, and he questioned our Father’s will. He understands my weakness and so, coming to him is as comfortable as pulling on a favorite sweatshirt.
Yes, Jesus is still invisible, but so much more present than anyone else. I only wish I had known in high school what I know today.
Prayer: Jesus, my best friend, you make me whole.