“For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!”
(Mark 3:35, AMP)
Notice that Jesus defines kingdom family for every Christian in this verse. He declares, “For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!” This is very different from the world’s definition of family. We usually define family in terms of biological or legal standards. We have a saying, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.” This verse shows the limitations and distorted truth of this way of thinking. In the kingdom realm, we can pick our family. As Christians, we get to choose our family the moment we invite Jesus into our life as our Lord and Savior. While I became an orphan in this world when my dad and mom died, I gained a Heavenly Father when I said “Yes” to Jesus. I gained a “Big Brother” in Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I confess that I am really excited about life in heaven. I am eager to sit down with Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Joshua, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and the rest of the Patriarchs. I’m eager to listen to my “Big Brothers in Christ” talk about their life with Jesus and their walk with God. I look forward to discussions with Paul, Peter, John, Timothy and the rest of the disciples. I want to hear intimate details about the early days of the church and their mission trips. I long to talk with Eve, Sarah, Rachel, Naomi, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Bathsheba, Mary of Nazareth, Mary and Martha and others who are my “Mothers and Big Sisters in Christ.” I look forward to family gatherings and conversations as we sit around God’s table.
Fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, aren’t you glad that Jesus knew how to create and define family. If you’re lost and alone, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your life today. By accepting Jesus, you become part of His kingdom family for all eternity!
Jesus, thank you for calling me into relationship with you and for the gift of family. Jesus, I am so thankful you gave me the opportunity to hang out with the Holy Spirit each day. Thank you for spiritual Fathers, Mothers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Through the blood of Jesus and in the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
