How do you begin a relationship with an unknown person? This is the way relationships develop:
1. An introduction – Victor, this is Bill; Bill, this is Victor.
2. General information is exchanged: Where are you from? Where do you work? Do you have a family? What hobbies do you enjoy?
3. Common interests are discovered – You like blindfolded visitation to the Art Gallery, I do too! You like Upside Down Rock Climbing, I do too! You like raw heart of snake, I do too!
4. Time is spent together - listening, talking, doing things.
5. Friendship is maintained through e-mailing, texting, talking in person or on the phone, doing things together.
6. We don’t ignore needs, but help each other in times of need.
7. Friends are not embarrassed about each other, but freely talk to others about the good things of the friendship and positive qualities of the friend.
8. Over the course of time and shared experiences, deep trust develops.
9. But stop communication, and the relationship falters.
A relationship with Jesus follows a similar pattern, except that He is your Lord and Savior, and you are a believer and follower of him.
1. An introduction – made through baptism; made through a parent, friend, pastor or teacher. Jesus already knows you, so you are actually introduced to Him.
2. General information is exchanged - you get to know about Jesus, who he is, what he has done. He knows all about you, but it is spiritually vital for you to confess your sins and your need for a Savior and Lord.
3. Common interests are discovered – You like love, so do I. You like truth, me too. You like to forgive, I like forgiveness. You like to give eternal life, I like to receive eternal life.
4. Time is spent together - we hear Jesus speak to us through His Word, the Bible. We talk to God by way of prayer. We spend time together with Him as we gather with fellow Christians and receive the Lord’s Supper. In a mysterious but true way, Jesus promises to be present where two or three are gathered in His name. He calls His church “The Body of Christ”. As we are with other Christians, we are with Him.
5. Friendship is maintained as we continue to talk to Him and hear His word, as we gather with the Body of Christ. Short prayers are acceptable: “Give me patience in this”. Short praises are encouraged: “What a beautiful day You’ve made”. Short
admissions of guilt are fine: “Sorry I ignored you all week”. His Word is excellent to recall and reflect upon: “He really does want me to love my enemy”. His wisdom is best acted upon: “I will do what is right in this, in spite of pressure from others”.
6. Friends don’t ignore needs, but help each other in times of need. Jesus did not ignore your greatest need for forgiveness and life, but gave Himself to death on the cross for you. Jesus Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus laid down His life for you!
Now, what are the needs of Jesus? How can I help Jesus? Jesus closely identifies with people in need. He identifies so closely, that He says that whatever we do for a person in need, we do it to Him. That works both ways: ignore a person in need and you are ignoring Him; help a person in need and you are helping Him. Want to help Jesus? Help a person in need.
7. Friends are not embarrassed about each other, but freely talk to others about the good things of the friendship and positive qualities of the friend. Jesus, the perfect Lord of All, is not embarrassed to call us friends. We want to let others know of the friendship we have with the Lord Jesus. We want to introduce others to Jesus. We want to tell others of the exceptional qualities of our Savior.
8. Over the course of time and shared experiences, deep trust develops. As you see that Jesus’ forgiveness is real, His Word is true, His presence is comforting, and His promises hopeful, deeper trust develops and faith grows. And as Jesus sees that you are faithful with what He has entrusted to you, He may entrust more (blessings or challenges) to you, stretching your faith even more.
9. But stop communication, and the relationship falters. If we ignore the Lord, if we stop talking and stop listening, Jesus will try, through people and circumstance, to renew the relationship. But He will not force you to have a relationship with Him. You can always say “No!”
How wonderful it is that the God who made all things wants to have an intimate relationship with each one of us. He does many things to make that relationship possible: writes a long love letter (the Bible), enters into the world in human flesh (Jesus), gives His life to reconcile us to Him (on the cross), sends His presence into our lives (the Holy Spirit), makes us His child (through baptism), strengthens us with Himself (in the Lord’s Supper), gives us brothers and sisters (the Church) to support us in this relationship. Don’t miss this relationship for the world!!!
Prayer: I do not deserve to have a relationship with You. I am thankful that You want a relationship with me. Lead me to know You though your Son Jesus. Amen.
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