Saturday, June 10, 2023

While he was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers showed up. They were outside trying to get a message to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are out here, wanting to speak with you.” ^48-50 Jesus didn’t respond directly, but said, “Who do you think my mother and brothers are?” He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. “Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

       Obedience is thicker than blood!  For many years, ministry took me away from family.  For 7 ½ years, I was 12 hours away.  For 4 years, I was 3 hours away.  For 5 years I was 4 hours away.  For 11 years, I was 5 hours away.  During this time, I often told my churches that they were my family, that we shared a bond that I didn’t share with my birth family, a bond that was stronger and more lasting than DNA.  Then, God gave me a gift, mom came to live with me and for 18 months, I renewed my relationship with mama.  

       Jesus had a similar experience.  The bonds of his childhood were stretched and broken as He traveled around Galilee and Judea proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.  Along the way, He picked up a group of men and women who followed Him everywhere, who listened to Him intently, who served Him to the best of their ability.  Meanwhile, His father (we presume) had died; His brothers didn’t understand Him or express faith in Him; and only His mother, a woman without power, prestige, or position, seemed to know.  Now, who was closer?

       O God, I long to be family, to be so attuned to You – Your thoughts, Your ways – that I reflect You to the world.  I want to obey, to know Your Word so intimately that I follow You completely without hesitation.  Make it so, Lord!  Amen!