When we become believers, we enter into a life long journey where we discover the many facets of our relationship with God. To start, we come to know Him as our Creator. Then, we learn He is one God in three Divine Persons. From there, many of us develop a loving relationship with God where we view Him as a Father. Through Jesus, we have and Savior. God: Creator, Mysterious God in three persons, Father, Brother, Savior.
Sadly, many Christians never come to know the many additional dimensions of God and how we can identify with Him. King, Husband, and Friend are just a few more worth mentioning. Every time I meditate on the notion that my Creator wants a personal and intimate relationship with me, His creation, I am befuddled and awestruck.
With worldly eyes, we can grasp the honor of being called a friend to the King. Kings are powerful rulers who are busy with many affairs. They are leaders, champions, and the defender of many. As a King’s friend, we have favor and influence.
Daniel found favor with King Nebuchadnezzar. When Daniel requested that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have prominent positions over the affairs of Babylon, it was granted.
“Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.” Daniel 2:49 (NKJV)
But Daniel and his friends knew a far greater King and would not worship any other ruler besides Yahweh. For their lack of loyalty to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius, all four were persecuted. One King placed three inside a furnace (Daniel 3), and Daniel found himself in a den of lions by the other. Once given exceedingly great favor, they lost their King’s approbation, for it was conditional. But for their loyalty to the one true God, the King of Kings rewarded them with miracles of wonder and life. No harm or injury befell any of the four men.
Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong to you.’
Now the king was exceedingly glad for him and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.”  Daniel 6:20-23 (NKJV)
 We have the ear of our eternal King. Continual access to His throne room is ours, for He never sleeps. And we are charged to come boldly to His mercy seat. With all honesty, we are encouraged to pour our hearts out to the King, without any fear of punishment for speaking with forthright candor.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
Our God and King fights for us, for the battle is His, not ours. He protects and shelters us from harm. He did so with David and Moses, Joshua and so many more.
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.’” Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV)
“Then David spoke to the Lord the words of this song, on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. And he said: ‘The Lord is my rock and my fortress and My deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.’”             2 Samuel 22:3-4 (NKJV)
Our King loves us, as David loved his friend Jonathan.
“Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:1 (NKJV)
In fact, God is jealous for us. He is jealous when someone gives to another something that rightly belongs to Him. God is possessive of the worship and service that belongs to Him. As friends of a King, it is sinful to worship or serve anything other than the King.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” Exodus 20:4-5
Our King, our friend, though mighty and all-powerful is still forgiving and full of mercy, grace, and compassion. Peter denied him three times, yet Jesus sought him out and forgave him. He went to Peter in John 21 and showed compassion and forgiveness.
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47 (NIV)
As hard as it is to imagine, our King sings and rejoices over us with gladness. Christ praised John the Baptist saying “No man born of woman was greater than this prophet.” He extolled Peter and gave him the title “Thou art Rock.” And while many condemned Mary Magdalene, Christ defended her as a model of generosity, applauding her large heart: “She hath loved much.”
“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11a (NKJV)
We serve a King who calls us His friend. Let us rejoice and be glad in this blessing.