Best Friend Forever. Of all the titles or names for him, this one might just suit us the best. But there is nothing personal or private in that reference. One of my criticisms about charismatic, contemporary Christianity is the notion that you should publicly accept Jesus Christ as your “personal” Savior. I prefer to believe that Jesus is everybody’s BFF. By that I mean that we share him with everybody. There is nothing private or secret about it. There is, certainly, a degree of intimacy that he wishes to have with each of us. To know Christ is to have a peace beyond description. Sadly, it is possible to go to church every Sunday of your life and never really know Jesus. You might know about him, but not experience him. It is the difference between following and just being a fan. It is perfectly appropriate to imagine ourselves to be equals with the original twelve disciples. Obviously not in a physical sense (yet). But we are still able and invited into his presence – his words, his promises.

With a “BFF” (and men, this is for you too) we can share anything. He offers and gives his very self. There is no greater closeness. Our Lord inhabited a fully human body, going through every emotion, every pain that can be known. That makes him oh so accessible, so knowable. Very often in my life I have been caught up in the doing of church. At those times I fool myself if I think for one second that I am drawing closer to Jesus. Let’s face it, people of God, we know far too many instances where someone was hurt by the church. Severely disillusioned into thinking that all Christians are kind. Some have such a stranglehold on their position of church power that they can’t get close to their true “BFF”. We don’t take time to sit at his feet and really get to know him, to allow him inside our deepest souls. Jesus is honest about the cost. Following him means giving up something. Your “BFF” in this world is that one person you can count on when all else fails, when others desert you. They are the 2 a.m. phone call when you get to the end of yourself. Friends in Christ, you already have that with Jesus! He, by the agency of the Holy Spirit, winks, smiles and nods as he gives you that very real presence. It is our honor and privilege to offer that to the depressed and hopeless, that they may find in Jesus their BFF. That they may feel that sure and certain promise of unconditional love. Include him in every hurt and burden. It is a wonderful, powerful place, where true faith resides. Constant, never wavering. Let “BFF” be your next greeting of and for Jesus.

Pastor Art