FAMILY of God?
Does it not seem clear control has always been the issue? Not only dictator despots but in marriages, businesses, sports teams, rock bands -you name it. Control of whatever narrative, card or board games, online gaming -on and on it goes.
So as Jesus tells us clearly to merely say "Lord, lord" while not doing as He says makes no sense and in fact, is dangerous. It likewise doesn't produce a disciple's heart, attitudes of grace as well as obedience.
Remember, it's God's grace that we can be saved, redeemed, belong to Him and be a genuine part of the family of God! It is also grace to do as He says for without His enabling power we have none. Works of the flesh don't equal "Do all you do as unto the Lord" much less "Do all you do in love".
The other night reading before I fell asleep I once again took a stroll through Matthew chapter 12 and Luke chapter 8. What leapt out at me often does, the obvious stuff. Matthew quotes Jesus equating those in His forever family not being based on birth and blood but re-birth and full allegiance to Him. It's about loving obedience lived out, not a mere transaction, earning God's love or somehow something other than relationship to Him in Jesus Christ and doing the Father's will.
Mt. 12
46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
In Luke 8.21 the gospel writer quotes the Lord: But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
Apparently those who say they believe and follow Jesus must do... and it comes down to the matter of HIS will, not our own being done.
How simple to understand, and how often we disregard, ignore or rebel against these words of Jesus. While we may well have saving faith in Jesus the issue of our response to His will isn't about us getting what we want in life- but doing what HE wants which is always best, always blesses others and yes, at times gets us in trouble for not keeping our faith hidden under a bushel where it's rarely demonstrated in loving action.
The concept isn't at all difficult to understand. It is indeed at times, a costly cross to bear and that, I freely admit. I also totally admit the option is to live outside His family as though our thin kingdom will last!
All this begins with an attitude- and I do believe it fully ties in with what Jesus said about His own: Matthew 11.28 "Come to Me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
We know a wooden yoke on oxen allows other oxen to be attached therefore sharing the weight of the load.
Have you ever considered the yoke Jesus carried may have (figuratively) Himself with us... or perhaps God the Father with Himself- God the Son?
In any case, this is how the load is possible to carry because we don't do it alone!
Being truly a part of the family of God includes all I've written here, but wait, there's more! :)
Salvation, eternal life is a free gift and unearned/unearnable by our own effort or good works. Yet -those- are a fruit of being a genuine part of the family of God. Our thoughts, attitudes, behaviors toward others all mark as as Jesus's disciples IF we have love for one another. Much of this love is demonstrated by all this -and actual action, not mere thought or agreement on doctrines.
God help us! And as always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn
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