Message to the Friends of God
A careful study of Luke’s gospel finds the beloved physician writing to, “most excellent Theophilus”, to further his study in the word of God. Theophilus means ‘friend of God’; how fitting in God’s great wisdom that this record is left for the help of all those struggling through obedience, to be known as ‘friends of God’.
Luke’s instruction begins with the birth of John the Baptist and concludes with the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples after his resurrection. He then picks up this thread in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, detailing the disciples’ ministry after Jesus’ ascension. Why did he write all this to Theophilus? “ It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that though mightiest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been taught the gospel” (Luke 1:3,4.)
Theophilus was being taught the gospel – the good news of the kingdom of God – learning of the wondrous hope contained in the word of God which lies in store for all who seek after it. From the beginning of the fall in Eden, through the promises extended to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to the birth, ministry and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, the thread of Truth is exposed to those whom the Spirit calls to obedience. Those not called, who read the word, may be moved by the inspiring examples of faith and courage, but without a sure foundation of belief in the Lord Jesus which leads to baptism into him there can be no lasting spiritual benefit.
In the last chapter of Luke, the Lord Jesus instructed the disciples to return to Jerusalem and there await the gift of the Holy Spirit which would come upon them – a measure of God’s power to be given that they might increase in understanding and to spread forth the Gospel, armed with the power to do miracles of healing in his name.
However, the last question to him as he prepared to ascend unto his Father, displayed a great lack of perception in what lay ahead of them, and why they needed to grow in understanding as they asked: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6).
Their understanding would be enriched by the power of the Spirit at Pentecost, teaching them of all they would be called upon to suffer in the spreading of his word, not only to Israel but to all the world as ambassadors for Christ. They longed, as we do today, for the kingdom of God to be established. However, nearly 2,000 years have elapsed from that time, and they continue to wait in the grave!
Paul encouraged his brethren, those friends of God in Thessalonica who waited in the same trust, as he wrote: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:4-6).
To be a friend of God is to be a child of light – not walking in darkness or fellowshipping the ways of darkness or error, but through constant study and prayer, learning how best to walk in obedience before Him. Paul left specific instructions how this could be achieved: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:15-22).
We have been instructed to walk after Christ’s example during our time of probation as we wait (as did the apostles) for his return. In these latter days we have been privileged to see unfolding many signs spoken of in the scriptures which must be in place before his return – yet we still wait. We are told his return will come as a thief in the night and we must be prepared, for no man knows the hour.
If we knew a thief was coming to break into our home at midnight, how vigilant we would be. There would be no time to relax or sleep, we would be on full alert to have everything in place, so as not to be surprised. How important likewise to be spiritually ready for Jesus’ return, arming ourselves through scriptural study and prayer as well as examining ourselves critically, knowing the often wayward direction of our natural inclinations if left unchecked.
Peter’s words, as he waited in hope, inspire all those longing to be known as friends of God, when he said: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). However, he goes on to warn of that day coming as a “thief in the night” when the old systems of this world will be destroyed and replaced with a righteous government of justice.
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (vs 13,14).
Bro. Francis Odiko (Subri, Ghana)
