Reflection by Lyn Fitz
(Worship, 9-10-06)

Jesus is truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is high and lifted up, surrounded by angels and seraphs and elders. Myriads prostrate themselves before His throne. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star. He is the Lamb of God, who by his sacrifice brings us into the presence of the Almighty. He is the Lamb upon the throne.
We are prostrate before Him.

And as we are bowed before Him, He leaves His throne and comes to us, saying, “No longer do I call you servants. Servants don't know what their master is thinking and planning. No, I call you my friends because I have let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. You are my friends when you do the things I have taught you.” John 15: 15 & 14.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords calls me His friend. . . . He calls me His friend. . .

There is a big difference to me between a boss and a friend. To my boss, I have certain obligations to behave the way a good employee should. I have no incentive or reason to go beyond this role when I relate to my boss - and indeed, in many, many places of work, being anything else other than a good employee is frowned on and seen as undesirable. But the relationship that binds friend to friend is much tighter. I have never accompanied a boss on a trip because they needed help - but I have  for Utami.  I have never provided childcare for a boss, but I have for Anni and Leonide and Carol. I have never helped a boss move, but I have helped move many of my friends.

And Jesus is my Lord . . . . who calls me His friend. That little word - more than all the majesty surrounding the Lamb who sits on the throne - makes me want to do what He commands. He has called ME His friend. And He has asked me to love others the way He loves me. And my heart leaps: “Oh Lord, I will try! I will try!”