Friday, October 15, 2010
Mark 3:5 "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
THE ALMIGHTY GOD IS ... MY BROTHER!
One of the questions someone might be asked when getting married is "Who is going to stand up with you?" when you make those promises before the Almighty God to your future spouse. For me, I ended up choosing my brothers to be first in line over my best friends. Although there is no right or wrong with this man-made custom of choosing a bridal party, I felt that no matter what happened in life that blood relationship with my family was a comforting support that special day.
Jesus wasn't picking groomsmen when He spoke these words to a crowd sitting around Him. He was making a point about everyone He considered a part of His family. He said His family consisted of "Whoever does God's will." That phrase has troubled people ever since. The majority of this world seems to believe that getting into God's family or into the right relationship with Him comes down to doing all the things God wills for us to do. IF that were how we got to be a part of Jesus' family then I'm sad to say there's no hope for me, because I have NOT always done God's will perfectly in my life.
However, Jesus is telling us about those who are related to Him THROUGH His blood. Anyone who has faith in the blood Jesus shed on the cross for the forgiveness of all sins is -- by this faith -- His brother and sister and mother -- a part of God's family! When the jailor of Philippi asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved (to be a part of God's family), they replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
Being part of God's family is entirely by the redemptive work of my Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. He stands first beside me not only on certain special days, but on every day of my life!
Lord Jesus, MY Brother, help me then also to stand by You and Your Word of Truth, just as You so faithfully stand by me.
