John 15:15 (ESV)
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not
know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I
have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
I read a story about companionship at zoo in Columbus, Ohio.
I learned that cheetahs are naturally
shy and anxious creatures. They are so shy, in fact, that when they get
nervous, it is difficult for them even to breed— and they are becoming
endangered because of it.
The zoo needed a solution to help the cheetahs, so they
began pairing cheetahs with Golden Labrador puppies. Normally these animals
would be enemies, but because they were introduced at a young age, the cheetahs
and Labs became best friends. The dogs helped the cheetahs calm down and relax.
It was fun watching them run together and put on a display.
I have been reminded over the years that if you want to go
fast (like a cheetah), you go alone; but if you want to go far, you go together
(as friends).
Jesus was telling his disciples something similar. If we
want to go far and grow the family of God, we need to love one another just as
Jesus loves us. When he calls us friends, he removes the barriers we have
created and becomes our companion. We no longer need to be anxious or fearful
of anyone around us. Instead, we can learn to love one another.
Dear Lord, thanks for helping us see that sometimes the
people we have thought were our enemies can really be our friends. Thank You for
showing us how to be a friend. Help us become that same kind of friend to
others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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