FRIEND … STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

Solomon may have been thinking merely of earthly relationships, but undoubtedly the Spirit of God had in mind a heavenly relationship in speaking about this Friend. The dearest, most satisfying human relationships are only a shadow cast by greater and eternal relationships. A brother is born for adversity’, Prov. 17. 17. In the dark days of life, how valuable to have a sibling! Strength, understanding, guidance, help and comfort flow quietly between two hearts, but there is a limit. Rare is the human gem called a friend who draws closer and stays longer than a sibling can. But even then, there is a limit. In his hymn, J. B. Mackay asks,

‘Is there anyone to help us, one who understands our hearts,
One who sympathizes with us, who in wondrous love imparts,
Just the very, very blessing that we need?
Yes, there’s One, only One!
And you need a friend to help you, He’s the One’.

Joseph Scribben was right, ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’. And He knows no limits.

He is ‘a friend of publicans and sinners’, Luke 7. 34. He was approachable and deeply concerned about the greatest need of each wandering soul. But let every sinner know there is something far sweeter than that first attraction. To be cleansed and brought near to Him brings heaven to the soul. John presents clear evidence that this Man possesses every essential attribute of God. John paints a Father and Son who ‘went both of them together’, Gen. 22. 8, in unbroken fellowship and mutual love. How amazing that this is the gospel where He says, ‘Ye are my friends’!

‘A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
That one so vile as I,
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!’ [Joseph Ludgate]

He, above all others, is the Friend who ‘loveth at all times’, Prov. 17.17. With holy wonder, heartfelt gratitude, and adoring love, we gaze on this altogether lovely One and repeat, ‘This is my beloved, and this is my friend’, S. of S. 5.16.