February 28, 2026 -- Romans 5:10 -- Jesus, Friend of Sinners

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:10 ESV
 
Sometimes a different translation of a verse will really grab your attention. It is important to note that translations of the Bible differ because some strive to translate word for word exact. Those of you who know two or more languages know that every language is unique. Idiomatic expressions, and even the context of words, means that a literal, word for word translation will feel very unnatural, stilted. Other translations seek to capture the sense of a passage but not be as focused on a literal word for word translation. However, such a translation can feel “loose”. Also, language changes quickly, so those kinds of translations soon feel very out of date.
 
This morning, I was reading a variation of Romans 5:10. It is in more contemporary language:
Even when we were God's enemies, he made peace with us,
because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater
than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God,
we will be saved by the life of his Son.
Romans 5:10 (Contemporary English Version).
That phrase, something greater than friendship is ours, grabbed my attention today. It stirs my soul to consider that the God of Universal Power and Glory would stoop down to make me His friend.
 
Other verses in the Bible also touch on this concept of Jesus as our friend. A well-known example is this one:
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know
what his master is doing; but I have called you friends,
for all that I have heard from my Father
I have made known to you. (John 15:15 ESV)
Think how much your dearest, here-on-earth friend means to you. If your friend, who is as evil as you are, knows how to truly bless and encourage you, how much more, your truest, deepest, perfect Friend Jesus must love you. It is such an excellent concept to meditate on.
 
Father in heaven, blessed is Your Name, now and forevermore!
Thank You for the great, extravagant, and glorious gift of Jesus. Thank You that He is the Friend of sinners. Jesus, by Whose blood, sinners are reconciled to You, O Father, and called beloved sons and daughters of God. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for uniting us to Jesus, the greatest, truest friend. Spirit of God, teach us to such faithful to friends in Him, that others around us will see, and long to know Jesus. Jesus, Friend of Sinners, let Your goodness be broadcast far and wide until the full count of those appointed to Your service are brought into Your Kingdom. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/BY6VAy9y_iQ?si=G44-6NVbpNcmSwb_ Jesus, Friend of Sinners
 

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