friends in glory

I'm not one of those friends
who asks the intrusive question.

I will be the friend to listen
if you have a problem,
need help, or seek advice.

But if you're facing a struggle
and you're bombarded by
doubt and fear,
worried that others may change
their opinion of you because
of the choices you've made...
I'm not the one who will intrude
and ask you to air your dirty laundry.

I just don't think it's my place
to pull back the curtains drawn
on the parts of other's lives
that they would rather keep private.

If they want to share...
they will share.

But good friends don't intrude
where they were not invited.
And they certainly do their best
to understand other's perspective.

​But can you imagine
what it would have been like
to be one of Jesus' friends...
one of His chosen disciples?

I mean, He always had quite a lot
on His mind...
always getting up early
heading off to pray.

And the things He said
were such a mystery back then
before the rest of the story was known.

I think I would have been
one of those disciples
that are not really mentioned much.
You know, the quiet ones
who didn't ask questions,
but just simply stood nearby
listening, trying to take it all in.

But while everyone marveled
at all the things which Jesus did,
He said to His disciples,
“Let these words
sink down into your ears,
for the Son of Man
is about to be betrayed
into the hands of men.”
But they did not understand this saying,
and it was hidden from them
so that they did not perceive it;
and they were afraid
to ask Him about this saying.
Luke 9:43-45 NKJV

Yep, that would have been
my part in the story...
they were afraid to ask Him
about this saying.

Because I don't want to intrude,
I don't want to make Him
feel bad, or worry more
about what was to happen.

I mean, from a worldly perspective
I guess it seemed that Jesus
had a negative outlook on life.
Like He was suspicious of others
or worried what they thought of Him.

When in fact, it was prophesied
and necessary that they
falsely accused Him
so He could live His perfect life
and give Himself to die for our sins,
an offering, a sacrifice.

He, in no way, was worried
what others thought of Him.
He set His mind, steadfast and knowing
that what He did and said
would cause division.

But how hard to understand
in the middle of it.

These men He chose...
they had to be truly special,
brave, of excellent character.
For Jesus chose to place into their care
the weight of the entire church.

All of the glory of His purpose
had to be told by them.
For if they neglected it,
we would not know anything
about Him today.

We would be living lives
without hope of eternity.

So even when they heard Him
speak of difficult things...
things they did not understand,
that caused them fear to ask about,
they still stuck with Him as friend.

I would hope
that I could have been counted on
as a disciple in Jesus' day.

I would hope
that He would have chosen me
as one of the twelve
had I been alive
in His day.

But this is the time
He has planned my purpose.
And therefore, I will write
of my gratitude for the twelve.

For their friendship,
brotherhood,
bravery,
commitment,
unity and love
forged forward into history
and given us, the church
and the hope of glory;
that we know today this
salvation in Jesus Christ.

I am grateful
for the disciples of Jesus Christ.
They were faithful friends
​even when they didn't understand.

Word of God
train me today...
To be a true friend, who listens and
stands by those You have placed in my life.

To trust those whom You have given me as friends,
and be united with them in spreading Your glory.