HEBREWS 7:24-25: “But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” NLT
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OBSERVATION: Have you ever been let down by a friend? Or, have you ever, as a friend, let someone else down? I think that everyone would have to answer yes to both questions. This is especially true in marriage. There is not a man or woman alive who has not at one time or another disappointed or let their spouse down.

Have you ever watched the Toy Story movies? I have seen all of them except for the first one. I took my 3-year-old daughter to the debut of the first movie. Ten minutes into the movie she said – “Daddy, I want to go home.” For whatever reason, I have never seen that movie since. However, in the Toy Story series, there is a famous song entitled – “You’ve got a friend n me.”

“You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you’re miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you’ve got a friend in me
Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me”

This is the song sung in the opening credits when we see Andy playing with his beloved toy – “Woody.” The song is about Woody’s commitment and friendship with Andy. Yet, in the story, and ensuing sequels, Andy does not always reciprocate this devoted friendship. In fact, Andy forgets his affection as he grows older.

In life, we all need a friend. Yet, if we anchor our need for a friend on another person we will always be disappointed. In reality, we will always let each other down at times. In the Toy Story movie, Woody embodies what we all are looking for in a friend. Someone who will always be there. Someone who will never let us down.

“And as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You’re gonna see it’s our destiny
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me”

Where can we find such a friend?

We can find this friend in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

• “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John‬ ‭15:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus is the friend that we are all looking for. Jesus is the friend that is always there for us. He will never leave nor forsake us. He will never turn His back on us when the times get tough. And, he is never subject to failure in his own life so He is always there, always ready to offer His comfort and assistance to those in need.

• “But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

The writer of Hebrews reminds us – Jesus, as our High Priest, lives forever! Death, sin, weakness, have no power over Him. And, because of this, He is able to save those who come to Him. He is always in our corner. Always rooting for us. Always believing in us. And, He is always standing on our behalf before God the Father praying for us! This is why Paul can so emphatically say…

• “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Woody is just a fictional character. He embodies all the qualities we really look for in a friend. Jesus Christ is a real person. He is God in human flesh. He was tempted in all the ways we are, yet He never sinned. He took our place on the cross and suffered and died for our sins. He defeated sin and death, was seated at the right hand of God the Father, and always is there making intercession for us (praying for us). Now, if that is not a friend I don’t know what is!

So, hopefully, without offending anyone, take a moment to imagine these words coming from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you’re miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you’ve got a friend in me
Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my friend. Thank You for saving me, cleansing me, and daily helping me through all the difficulties and trials of life. Grant me the grace I need today to live for You and help me to be a better friend to all those You have placed in my life.

In Jesus Name!