On September 5, 2013, John 15:13 was made personal to me when my husband received a kidney transplant from a friend of ours. Our friend laid down his life for our family so that our kids could have more time with their dad and I could have more time with my soulmate. It was a miraculous and surreal moment as God instantly healed my husband. It was also very strange to receive a gift of that magnitude. It left me feeling somewhat helpless and a bit inadequate. Even to this day, I think from time to time, how could I repay him? What could I do? But there is absolutely nothing I can do but receive.
There is a man who did something even greater than our friend Matt, and His name is Jesus. Jesus endured the cross on my behalf so that I could live a full life telling others about Him. He even calls me His friend.
Joseph M. Scriven knew what it meant to be a friend of Jesus when he wrote the poem that later became a hymn called “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” While the whole song ministers to my heart, these lyrics pierce the deepest parts:
“Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
Lord, thank You for being our friend and for paying the ultimate sacrifice.