A Friend

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” [John 3.17-21]

I have a friend who is quite critical of the world. This friend has come to his conclusion by focusing on the Old Testament. This friend also believes the Bible is all about a single race of people. Just to be clear, the race of people my friend believes the Bible is about is not Jewish.

My friend has necessarily ignored the "story" of the Bible and instead focused on select passages of Old Testament Scripture straining for interpretations of original words to support hatred. Consequently, the references throughout the Bible indicating God's love for, and intention to redeem, all mankind are grossly ignored.

The necessity to remain focused on the Old Testament is paramount to the group with which my friend associates. This is completely understandable because the main character of the New Testament, Jesus the Messiah, a Jew, confirmed God's love for "the world." And furthermore, Jesus, as the Messenger of Good News, indicated that His life, words, and ministry were the focal point of all the Old Testament:

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! [John 5.39]

And, because Jesus indicated clearly in John 3.17 that His purpose was not to judge the world, but instead to save it, the unnamed group of people referenced here exclude themselves from the benefit of knowing Christ and therefore, according to Jesus the Christ, exclude themselves from knowing God in the capacity that yields eternal life.

All the while, my friend believes I "have my head in the sand" regarding the truth of the Bible. I have no intention of judging my friend unworthy of my love and certainly not God's love, but it breaks my heart to see and hear his unrestrained hatred for others. I pray for him every day.

Father, You know my friend's name - I called it out to You already today... Would You enable him to live a life worthy of Your call? Would You give him the power to accomplish all the good things - Christlike things (forgiveness) - his faith prompts him to do so that his life will glorify Christ and so he will be glorified with Christ?