FRIENDSHIP!

 

Thursday, April 29, 2021

 

FRIENDSHIP!

 

Luke 23:11-12

11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

 

Adam Clarke said: “Wicked men cannot love one another: this [genuine and mutual love] belongs to the disciples of Christ. But when Christ, his truth, or his followers are to be persecuted, for this purpose the wicked unite their counsels and their influence.”

 

           I consider myself a loyal friend. When I develop a friendship, it is both a product of my person and my effort. I work at it. Once that friendship is made, I continue to nurture it. I am grieved when it dissolves over some slight or falsehood. In that, I suppose, I am not much different from most men.

 

           Tony Merida said: “In Romans 16, Paul mentions more than 30 names. The whole list oozes with affection; it also magnifies the gospel, demonstrates beautiful diversity (race, rank, gender), and contains moving expressions of honor.” Paul was a friend and loved his friends.

 

Prov 18:24

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. KJV In other words, “even a good friend may occasionally disappoint but there is one, and that is Jesus, who will never disappoint you.”

 

           Again, Adam Clarke comments: “Love begets love; and love requires love as its recompense. If a man does not maintain a friendly carriage, he cannot expect to retain his friends. Friendship is a good plant; but it requires cultivation to make it grow.”

 

Dear Lord, thank you for my many scattered friends. How priceless they are! Thank you for being my steadfast friend. AMEN