S) "31 Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You." 33 Answering them, He said, 'Who are My mother and My brothers?' 34 Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, 'Behold My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.'."
Mark 3:31-35 (NASB)
O) The context is pretty plain here. To clear one thing of note, Jesus describes people as being the closest possible relation to Him (i.e., immediate family). He doesn't say that they are His cousins, or simply "relatives," but uses the terms of closest relationship. Except, He does not include the role of Father. There is only One who is Father, and He is in heaven. This closeness, though, this was an inherent purpose of Jesus coming. That reconciliation to God, that adoption, it is not a small thing. It reminds me of becoming royalty. Sometimes, through marriage or some exceptional occasion, a person could be made royalty. Technically, they would be somewhere in the lineage of the kingdom, but it was quite remote. This is not how it is with God, our King. He made us sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ. All of this, though, is on the condition of doing the will of God. This is not to say that works save us. We could never do enough. But God does not redeem without purpose. He wants us to be active, accomplishing what He wills for us. It starts with the simple fulfillment of His will, as revealed in 2 Peter 3:9.
A) It begins with believing, but it cannot end there. Belief turns to faith when action takes place. My belief in Jesus is effectively faith, or effective faith, when my beliefs impel me to act on those beliefs. I cannot count myself as a true believer, as a son of God, if I am doing nothing to accomplish the will of the Father. At least, this should be revealed in my repentance. At best, it is the fruitful ministry to which He calls me, however great or small the tasks involved.
P) Father, Your will is perfect. Perfectly formed plans, perfectly fulfilling when executed. Father God, let Your will be done in my life, and through my active participation and submission. open my eyes and ears, to see Your ways clearly. Help me walk in obedience. Forgive me when I fail. Thank You for the grace and mercy You continue to show Your servant. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment