We are largely defined by family. In addition to genetic traits, families play a large part in our values and priorities. But do we understand who are families really are?
The most radical definition of family is given by Jesus:
"Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:47-50)
It might appear that Jesus rejects his biological family with such a statement, but in reality He accurately redefines family. Family is determined, not by genetics, but rather by commitment to a core value; namely doing the will of our true Father. Family based on anything else is not true family. This coincides with Jesus' statement in Matthew 10:37 - "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me". Family consists of those committed to doing the will of the Father, of which was the key priority of Jesus His Son.
There is no greater joy than having biological family as our true family. I delight in father, mother, sisters, in-laws, cousins, aunts, and uncles who are all true family through faith in Jesus Christ. We share a family connection not only in this age, but also the age to come. But family is far greater than these; as members of the family of Abraham (Romans 4:16), our family is as vast as the sands of the sea and the stars of the sky.
Biological families have family crests and emblems that represent their identity. In fact, family names often reveal trades and occupations that identified early ancestors. Our true identity is found in the emblem of a cross that represents the ultimate commitment to the will of our Father. Jesus, our Savior and brother, through His pattern of obedience to the Father's will, models our priority. We are family so much as we pursue the same path and priority.
We are Kingdom family. We are destined to do the Father's will alongside Jesus in ruling the world at His return. By reminding, encouraging, and challenging our true family today of this destiny, we make a significant investment in our family life.
Steve
The most radical definition of family is given by Jesus:
"Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:47-50)
It might appear that Jesus rejects his biological family with such a statement, but in reality He accurately redefines family. Family is determined, not by genetics, but rather by commitment to a core value; namely doing the will of our true Father. Family based on anything else is not true family. This coincides with Jesus' statement in Matthew 10:37 - "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me". Family consists of those committed to doing the will of the Father, of which was the key priority of Jesus His Son.
There is no greater joy than having biological family as our true family. I delight in father, mother, sisters, in-laws, cousins, aunts, and uncles who are all true family through faith in Jesus Christ. We share a family connection not only in this age, but also the age to come. But family is far greater than these; as members of the family of Abraham (Romans 4:16), our family is as vast as the sands of the sea and the stars of the sky.
Biological families have family crests and emblems that represent their identity. In fact, family names often reveal trades and occupations that identified early ancestors. Our true identity is found in the emblem of a cross that represents the ultimate commitment to the will of our Father. Jesus, our Savior and brother, through His pattern of obedience to the Father's will, models our priority. We are family so much as we pursue the same path and priority.
We are Kingdom family. We are destined to do the Father's will alongside Jesus in ruling the world at His return. By reminding, encouraging, and challenging our true family today of this destiny, we make a significant investment in our family life.
Steve
posted by steve @ 7:51 AM
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