SCRIPTURE:
“Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”
Mark 3:34-35
OBSERVATION:
As Jesus stated these words, He was making a point that although His mother and brothers were outside, He wasn’t verbally disowning them, but was making a point of those who did God’s will would also be considered as his brother, sister and mother. It was an extension of His family because of the call on their lives to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which became their bond of family. The way that they lived and went about ministry also exampled their sense of community with one another.
APPLICATION:
This is a wonderful affirmation of the family and community we are in Christ as we serve Him and follow His will in obedience. Our heeding God’s call on our lives doesn’t separate us from our biological family, but rather extends our family to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus becomes our bond. We then have the joy and camaraderie in serving Him together and striving to live with the same sense of community that they enjoyed. Our biological family is based on birth, yet our spiritual family is based on being born again in receiving Jesus, our love for Him, and following in His will and way.
The relationships of community at New Hope are also exemplified by these scriptures in its importance with one another as believers. It is community at New Hope that we will grow closer to Jesus, to one another, deeper in the Word (Bible Buddies & Besties), and in our calling.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for calling and allowing me into your family as I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, willing to serve and obey you.
