Are You Part of the Family?

Sometimes I can read the same passage of scripture numerous times and then suddenly I pick up on something that I hadn’t noticed in previous readings. This happened just recently in my Sunday school class as we were studying John chapter twenty. In verse 17 Jesus is speaking to Mary Magdalene and upon her realization of who was speaking to her she apparently made a move as if to hug Jesus to which he replied, ‘Don’t hold onto me, for I haven’t yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, “I’m going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ “(CEB) Like a lightning bolt it hit me….Jesus was referring to His Father as the same person that was also my Father! In that statement He confirmed our relationship as family! We have the same Father! The Great Jehovah God, the One who created all things, the One who sustains all things is our Father. We are truly brothers and sisters in Christ as well as to Christ.

Only those who have placed their faith in Jesus become part of the family as we see in John 1:12-13, “But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.” (CEB) Once we’ve been brought into this family of God, nothing can change our standing. Our salvation cannot be lost, it is our gift from the God who loves us and we do not, nor can we do anything to merit this gift.

Broken homes, hatred between family members, or never knowing your parents can cause an individual to be skeptical of the idea of a “family.” In God’s family, there is no abandonment, hatred, or abuse. Only love, forgiveness, and grace abide within God’s family. He will never cast you out or turn you away. This promise comes from Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t fear because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.” (CEB)

If you are not a member of God’s family, you can change that today. God’s invitation is to whosoever will believe on Jesus as is written in John 3:16. I would encourage you to read that passage and make sure your eternal address is Heaven.

These words from the chorus of Family of God by the Newsboys is a good way to close today’s devotion.

This is the family of God No matter who you were when you walked through the door Here you’re no orphan anymore Brothers and sisters by blood This is the Family of God Oh, we are Sons and daughters of the King We are We are the royal family.