In Isaiah 41:8, God speaks to Israel, calling them “descendants of Abraham my friend.” Abraham’s friendship with God is also mentioned by King Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah under the divided monarchy, the son of Asa in 2 Chronicles 20:7 and by the apostle James in James 2:23. Thus Abraham was accorded the high honor of being regarded as a “friend of God.” Literally, Isaiah 41:8 could be translated as “Abraham, who loved Me.” Abraham showed his love for God through his faith accompanied by obedience (Genesis 12:1, 4; 15:6). He was more than an acquaintance of God and more than a companion. He was a friend of God. A Happy New You is one who shows love for God through faith and obedience. Like Abraham, we too can be called friends of God. Like David, we too can be considered men and women after God’s own heart.
Additional scriptures referenced include Proverbs 17:17; Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 15:1-21; Isaiah 41:10-11; Galatians 3:7; John 15:13; Ephesians 1:3-5; Proverbs 18:24; and John 14:2.
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