Are we on the same page?
Jesus had just finished answering those who questioned his authority when he was told that his mother and brothers were looking to get access to him. His response to this was somewhat startling.
“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:48-50
That sounds a bit disrespectful, doesn’t it? It’s like Jesus is saying that his blood family aint’s his priority, right? Although what he’s actually saying that his family is determined by his Father. His family is determined by those who do what His Father does.
I wonder if we have that kind of check on those we consider family. It’s all well and good to a degree hanging and around and being associated with all sorts, but when it come to family are we classing those who are about our heavenly Father’s business as siblings?
What would tht mean for how we engage with others? They might have different social backgrounds, different outlooks on different aspects of life, but if their heart is to do what’s pleasing to God, surely there should be a connection there. Surely there should be a strong and vital connection that is far more important than class, ethnicity, gender, denomination, etc.
In practice, though, is that connection evident? Is it the determining factor for us to see and applaud and support those who are doing what the Father wants?
It doesn’t require that much of an indepth investigation to discover. The fruits make it clear whether we’re about the Father’s business or someone else’s. Life together also indicates whether we’re all going for the same business or whether other agendas have precedence.
This is a matter worth regular reviews because as times change, people can as well. Things that we shared a great passion about years ago, might see us have different approaches to today. We can certainly encourage other to pursue that which is pleasing to the Father. It can also be clear that this encouragement only finds certain people responding positively. It’s not about dropping those who fail to do so, but it is about recognising that following Jesus on the journey is not something we can do with lip service.
It’s quite something to read in Luke’s account of the Acts that took place once Jesus ascended that among those counted with the disciples – those eager to do the Father’s will – were his mother and brothers. It gives hope that maybe those who don’t get on board today will get on board at another point. In the meantime, however, we can remain committed to celebrating those who really are family to us and how we are family to them because of that devotion to being and doing everything pleasing to our heavenly Father.
That should help us check if we’re on the same page.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 