The Lord Is a Warrior; And He also calls us friends!

I was overwhelmed in worship today with a song sung by Kathy Shooster on the album "Garments of Praise" with the song "No One More". I was overwhelmed to know all my springs are found in Him who is both warrior and friend. There is nothing more I want but Him and His embrace. I am reminded of this desperation and the gravity of what Yeshua said in the final days of His life on earth to fullfill our need and His desire to make us close to Him.

John 15:5 says ...."I no longer call you servants, becuase a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, fore everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you."

This call of embrace, this call of friendship with God is also a call of knowing and learning what the Father teaches. I may not entirely understand the deep emotions tha ran in our savior's heart and mind when He expressed those words, but this is coming from the same Savior who called Himself:

Exodus (15:3) "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name" Amen Amen.

The same Lord who shouted out in Isaiah that He will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior stirred up in His zeal with a shout He will rais the battle cray and will triumph victorious over His enemies.

(Ps. 24:7-8 NIV) Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Amen Amen.

Why am I relating these two ideas of Yeshua's call of calling us out as "friends" (though He is Father God and Savior) and that of His character as a Warrior God. The answer is simple and some things are worth repeating and reporting again...The Warrior God has called us and elevated our status to be friends so that we like Him and along with Him will become mighty and strong in battle, an invitation to be intimate in His embrace, under His wings we become strong. Under His teaching and training I become a Warrior and His friend. A friend and brother in Christ master sculptor Mark Patrick who runs Eden productions came out with his new angel sculpture called "Warrior of God" - (see the image on the right). I love this imagery of a warrior angel drawn His sword ready to slay, but if you look closely and also see yourself covered under His wings - "fierce in Battle" ...ready to slay the enemies of God is the picture & idea that I take away home. I will end with Psalm 91:4 says ...

(Ps. 91:4 ESV) "He will cover you with his pinions and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is shield and a buckler

Blessings & Shalom,

Sam Kurien