Whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother. Mark 3:35
Do you ever have any problems with family members? If you have problems with peop in school, chances are you'll never have to see them again after graduation. But when it comes to family, you have to see them at holidays, wedding, and funerals. It may comfort you to know that Jesus had problems with His family members, too.
Jesus' own family thought He had lost His mind. After all, He claimed to be God in the flesh. Too religious! Too radical! They were concerned He had gone off the deep end and came to rescue Him. They did not know until after His Resurrection that He had come from heaven to rescue them.
He left a good-paying job at the carpenter's shop… for what? He had no place to lay His head. He had a band of questionable disciples following Him. Tax collectors? Ignorant fishermen? His family did not understand or approve.
Have you ever noticed that when people are consumed with nutrition and health, it does not seem to bother their family? If they are running every day, no one gets worried. But if they are reading their Bible every day, the family becomes alarmed. When a person is excited about sports, people call them a fan. But if you are excited about spiritual things, people call you a fanatic. Someone once called an old-fashioned preacher a nut. The preacher replied, "At least I am screwed on the right bolt!"
Jesus issues an invitation: "Let Me be the Lord of your life." Having your family's approval is desirable, but having the approval of heaven is more desirable. Obey God today and you will hear your heavenly Father say, "This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased." *
Heavenly Father, I bring my situation and request before You. I do not know what to do, nor will I try to tell You how to work things out. Help me simply trust and obey. I stand on Your Word. Help me do Your will. Thank You for the privilege of being adopted into Your family. Amen.
*Dr. Grant Ethridge, Hampton, VA