“Having friends means we never have to walk this weary planet alone. And the treasure of friendship is an inheritance God has provided for all of us. But many of us are living lives bereft of deep friendship. . . . One of the greatest gifts the church can give to the world is her theology of friendship.”- Daniel Grothe
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone.”- Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
In Chapter 10 (“Stability in Friendship”) of The Power of Place, Daniel Grothe notes that when God created Adam, He supplied him with meaningful projects, a gorgeous place, and plenty of provision. But Adam ultimately needed a companion, a friend.
Therefore, even though Adam had God all to himself, God stated that ‘it’s not good.’ Hence, Pastor Grothe asserts, loneliness = the first problem in the Bible. As a result, Daniel claims, the theology of friendship represents one of the greatest gifts the church gives to the world.
For example, the author observes, Jesus often gathered a group of people around Him. And the group consisted of more than the twelve disciples. Thus, Jesus lived among and shared life with a burgeoning community. Including Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus.
In addition, Jesus was a divine magnet for all the disaffected people of the world. Hence, in Mark 1:32-34, we get this glimpse of a day in the life of Jesus:
“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons.”
Most significantly, Pastor Grothe states, the people brought the sick to Jesus after sunset. Yet, Jesus gladly received them at the end of a full day of ministry.
However, the Son of God needed regular solitude to restore His soul. So, the Gospels inform us, Jesus used His go-to spats for times of prayer.
Today’s question: What people in your life provide your treasure of friendship? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Gazing – a true life of prayer”
