Who am I that you are mindful of me?
That you hear me, when I call?
Is it true that you are thinking of me?
How you love me, it’s amazing.
These lyrics to the popular song “Friend of God” came to mind as I was looking at today’s readings. I am truly in awe of a God so powerful wanting to be my friend.
Today, as the snow falls in wintery Nebraska, I am reminded of how everything that I have (and the things that I don’t have) are gifts from God. Today’s reading talks about the ultimate gift that we received when Christ “was made ‘lower than the angels’” and how he suffered death for us. All this so that we could become close to God—so that we could share in everlasting life with Him. That He would even want me, a flawed, human mess, is incredible. Even more incredible than that is the fact that He sent His Son whom He loved to die just so that I could be with Him. Even though I know this to be true and have grown up with this knowledge, I still have a hard time understanding why. In a world where I am often overwhelmed by all that is going on around me, I have a strong sense of inadequacy. That the Creator of the Universe would even know my name seems mind-boggling. But, He not only knows my name, but every hair on my head and every desire of my heart. He says that He loves me and wants me to be with Him forever.
So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, know this one thing. Even though it seems almost impossible at times, God loves you. He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to “taste death for everyone” so that He could be with you. “God Almighty, Lord of Glory, You have called me friend.”
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