April 23, 2020 A Friend that is as your own Soul

Reading: Deuteronomy 11-13 and 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:6, “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known,

Thoughts: In this passage Moses is reminding Israel that God is jealous to the point that he wants them to put to death those who try to get them to go astray, but that is not what hit me. As someone who struggles with friendships it hit home to me that when he is talking about family members that are trying to lead you astray he included “your friend who is as your own soul.” We are social beings and we are to have relationships and friendships, even ones that are as closes as family. As I think about it, in this world of social media creating hundreds and maybe thousands of surface friends do we have friends like our own soul. Are we defined by our jobs, our friends, and our families or are we listening to who God is saying we are and sharing his love and mercy to those around us.

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your word breaths new life into me every day. Your mercies flow out to this world in unending waves, as you seek to have a relationship with us. I thank you that you do seek us and that you pour your love and grace out. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out. I ask that you continue to heal those who have Covid and bolster the health of those who are out in the world every day, bolster the health of those who are on the frontline of the battle against Covid bless them and keep that they may serve others. I ask that you also help us to find and develop those close friends, not just who are there for the good times but will help you move and come morn with you when you morn.