Devotion 8/22, He Speaks to us Everywhere
Jesus replied when he was alerted his physical family was near, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:21
Jesus was teaching a large crowd of people and his mother and brothers could not get near Him so they sent word that they were there and waiting on Him. Jesus’ response was that His true family are those who hear His Word and obey it. This may seem flippant at first but it is not. Jesus was still teaching and the lesson was that a real relationship with Him was not dependent on natural family ties but on those who place their faith in Him and seek to obey Him in life. No crowd can prevent His spiritual family from having audience with Him!
This reminds me of a verse in James, ironically written by Jesus’ natural brother. James:
James 1:22
But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
I love the simple truth that Jesus taught his first disciples. Do you want to be recognized as a part of Jesus’ family? Obey his Father’s word and live his Father’s will! When you do, Jesus gladly claims you as part of his family and holds you up as an example for others to follow!
Bless me today, please, dear Father. I want to live with clarity and see the opportunities you have placed in my life to follow you obediently and honor your will. However, dear Father, I don’t want this clarity to be a fleeting thing. Just as I want to be a part of your family permanently and eternally, I want to obey and honor you with my life consistently. Help me be more aware of the opportunities you place in my daily path to do just that! In Jesus’ name, I ask this. Amen.
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