September 28, 2007

We are Family

Family – When it comes to family, we are supposed to go out of our way to help them.  I would like to say I go out of my way to help my family and put them above myself but that is not always the case. 

One of my good friends told me a few years ago that his wife’s family goes the extra mile when it comes to family.  My friend told me that when his wife was in college she needed some money for an unexpected expense and her brother sent her the money to cover the expense as soon as he found out about it.  On the other hand, my friend mentioned if he was in a tight spot financially, he could not rely on his family because they probably wouldn’t help him.

Sometimes I feel that in America we are all for ourselves and family is only a family of one, me, myself, and I.  I know this is not always the case and there are families that will do anything for one another.  I just haven’t seen it much. 

When I think of family, I think of the song by sister sledge, “We are family.”  The chorus of the song says we are family all my sister’s and me, we are family get up everybody and sing.  This song has a catchy ring to it but it also celebrates the joys of family and singing because they have each other. 

Family is a beautiful thing and to know that people have your back in everything that life throws your way is comforting.  When I think of family, I think of God because family is a God idea.  Not only does the Bible says that God is our creator but when we put our faith in Jesus Christ God becomes our Father.  We are a part of His family and He always has our back and He gives us brothers and sister’s that have our back too.

As I was thinking about family, I came across a passage of scripture in the book of Mark that communicates what Jesus thought of family. 

Mark 3:31-35 (New King James Version)

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Send for Him

31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers[a] are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

In these verses, Jesus is preaching and doing miracles in a particular house when His mother and brother’s come to speak to Him. 

The multitude said to Him your mother and brother’s are outside seeking you.  You would think Jesus would stop and run to His family or say let them in but instead He does something odd.  Jesus asks a question in verse 33.  He says, “Who is My mother, or My brothers? 

If I were there, I would say they are outside asking for you.  Instead of saying yes, Jesus looked around in a circle at those who sat with Him and said here are My mother and My brothers!  For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother. 

What Jesus was saying is that the Family of God is My family.  Whoever chooses to follow Me and do the will of God is my real family. 

I don’t think Jesus was saying to go and desert your natural families if they don’t follow Him rather realize that your true allegiance is to the family of God because it’s an eternal bond fueled by obedience to God. 

In fact, I know Jesus would say pray and be the best witness you can be to your natural family who do not know me so I can use you to reach them with the Gospel and they could be a part of the family of God as well.

The Challenge – As you read this passage and think more in-depth on it, ask God to guide you on how to become a better witness in love to your natural family.

Ask God to help you to become a better brother or sister in Christ to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ask God to also help you to become a better son or daughter of God so you put a big smile on His face in all it is that you do in this life.

PS:  If you need prayer, write you requests in the comments section of the blog and we will pray for those needs.  Let us know when God answers your prayers by sending your praise reports. 

If you haven't received Jesus Christ yet and you want to, pray this prayer.  Dear God I admit I am a sinner in need of a Savior and I believe that Savior is Jesus Christ.  I confess Jesus today as my Lord and Savior and commit my life to Him.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Amen.  Let us know if you received Christ so we can rejoice with you because it’s the greatest thing you will ever do in this life.