⁶ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷ Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. ¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Romans 5:6-11

Dear God, am I really a friend of yours? That’s an incredible thought. But let me start back at the beginning.

I wonder how much of the timing of Jesus being born when he was was because of who was alive at the time. From Mary and Joseph to Peter, John, and Paul. These were all unique people who did remarkable things. When Paul says, “…just the right time…” I can’t help but wonder also about the other players in the story and how unique they were too. Even the bad actors such as Herod and Pilate.

Then there is the idea that you chose to wound a part of yourself, permanently scarred, for my reconciliation with you. Frankly, I don’t think I’ll ever fully grasp it or appreciate it. How could I? You’re so unfathomable. How could I ever really understand what it cost you, and then appreciate it adequately.

Finally, a friend of yours. You are my friend. I mean, it’s an unequal friendship to be sure. You are my God. I worship you. But I don’t worship you out of fear. I worship you out of love. I worship you out of gratitude. You’ve done so much to make it possible for me to be here praying to you. How could I not offer you my adoration?

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I worship you as my complete, Triune God. Thank you for what you have done for me and what you continue to do. You are my God. I am your servant. But I am also your friend. That is something that I can’t think of any other religion in the world can really claim. I’m probably wrong there, but the concept of you wounding and sacrificing a piece of yourself for us is certainly unique. Help me to live into that gift.

I offer this prayer to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen