January 4, 2023

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13, ESV)
​
I think familiarity is one of the greatest threats to our walk with God. Familiarity is often where accidents occur, relationships break down, and value is lost. I do not want to ever become so familiar with the love of Christ that I forget His significance to me, or I take for granted His love.

You are receiving communion because you have been 'born again!' More than that, you are now considered a friend of God. Let that thought sink in for a moment, friend of God. Jesus stands among His friends at the last supper and says to them, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." He was letting them know the extent of His love and willingness to die for them.

That willingness to die for others was for His friends and the whole world. It is a tragedy that so many belittle what Jesus has done for us, but maybe it is an even greater tragedy to be familiar with His love and go through the motions of loving Him. 

"Jesus, awaken my heart to your love. I do not want to be numb to your presence or your love. Take away my familiarity with you."

As you receive communion today, take time to think that Jesus laid down His life for you because He loved you as one loves a friend.