“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16
Jesus manifests His love — as the Friend of His people. He . . .
fills every relation to them,
performs every kind office for them, and
comforts them with divine consolations.
He invites them to pour their griefs — and tell out all their troubles before Him. He holds communion with them — and indulges them to converse with Him as a man with his friend. He encourages them by assurances of His love — and fortifies them by promises of His presence. “Fear not,” He says, “for I am with you! Be not dismayed, I am your God!
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!”His power, His riches, His wisdom, and His Spirit — are devoted to their best interests, and employed for their present and everlasting welfare. He watches over them in tender love — and listens to them with compassionate concern.
He is a friend who loves at all times — a brother born for adversity. His love, in its immutability, fullness, and perfection — is the great bulwark of their safety; and His friendship — is the joy of their hearts. He sticks closer than a brother, and never will fail or forsake the soul that trusts in Him.
He performs all the kind offices of friendship . . .
in sickness and health;
in plenty and poverty;
in life and death.
He has Heaven and earth at His command — as the friend of the defenseless soul.
He has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge — as the companion of the ignorant and fearful.
He calls His people, friends — and presents Himself to them as their friend for their comfort, confidence, and joy.
O how the love of Jesus shines in His friendship! As our friend, He . . .
lived in our world,
suffered in our place,
died in our stead,
rose as our representative, and
ascended to Heaven, where He continually makes intercession for us!
He acknowledges that I am undeserving — yet calls me His friend! He knows the worst parts of my character — and yet He says, “You are mine! I have chosen you — and will not cast you away!”