June 8
Mark 3:31-35
We know that family is important. Jesus is not saying we should cast aside our families. “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NIV) “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1Timothy 5:8 NIV) But Jesus is saying that nothing, not even our own family, should be placed before our relationship with Him. We learned a couple of days ago what it takes to be a disciple as given in Luke 14. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” (vs. 26 NIV) What Jesus meant by this is that our love and devotion to Him should be so strong, that by comparison our love for our families could seem like hatred. Our first priority should always be developing our relationship with Christ, and being part of His family. What do we have to do to be in God’s family? “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35 NIV) I love my family, and the thought of hating them makes me sick to my stomach, but that is not the point here. We don’t have to hate our family, we just have to love God so so so much more! I think it would be appropriate to end this day’s lesson with a hymn. Sing it out loud!
“I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,For I'm part of the family,The Family of God”
Principle: The degree of obedience to God declares the closeness of relationship with Him.
Application:
1. What do my actions say about my relationship to God?
2. By what point of obedience will I declare my love for my Heavenly Father?
3. Do I relate as family with those who are doing God’s will?
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It is great to be part of the Family of God, Thank you for that hymn this morning. If our relationship with God is strong it will improve our relationship with our earthly families.
ReplyDeleteI'll be singing it all day! Thank you Sarah!
ReplyDeleteObedience! What a good place to start the week! I came into the study of Moses in the last 2 months and I think God opened my eyes to the message of obedience more in this time than throughout my entire Christian life. And here it is again! It's a great lesson and I know that the more obedient I am, the closer I become to God. And then it seems to be a little easier to be obedient. And on and on it goes!(sometimes more easily than others!) I love that hymn too. What a joy and honor to be part of "The Family of God"
ReplyDeleteJesus is simply restating the first commandment, "You shall not have any gods before Me." That includes the "god" of family. You explained it very well, Sarah. I love this study of Mark!
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