Family

“And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” -Mark 3:34–35

Here Jesus is, preaching the Good News, and his mother and brothers come to get him. This is not a supportive family. They are more worried he has lost his mind than convinced he is the Messiah. But Jesus is with the people who listen to his message, who believe in him, who “are my brother and sister and mother.”

This is not to be read as an encouragement to disregard our biological family, but it is significant that we have new family, a family in Christ. Those who believe in Jesus enter into not just an individualistic relationship with God but also into a familial relationship with other believers. These are the ones doing the will of God, believing in the One he has sent.

When you gather with a group of believers, look around; these are sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers. This is your family. Chances are, they are not postcard perfect or the ideal family. We do have our quirks after all. But these are who the Lord has determined to be part of the household. It is for his glory that we are brothers and sisters.

Rejoice, for Jesus calls you his own brother or sister when you believe in him. This is God's will, and he has given you a group of people to celebrate and do life with.

Believing It All

“This I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God…” -Acts 24:14–15

Believing in Jesus is not setting aside the voice of the Law and Prophets, all of the Old Testament. No, it is hearing that voice speaking of Jesus. Every promise, every interaction between God and man, the burden of the Law, the hope of a coming king, each covenant—it all points to Christ.

Here is Paul claiming belief of it all before Felix and appealing to Rome for safety. This too is our confession as we belong to the Way; as followers of Jesus, we believe everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having hope in God, because we know it reveals Christ.

Moses was speaking of him, and every prophetic vision is accomplished in him. It all is meant to show us Christ more clearly. We get to rejoice in every jot and tittle because it is all about our Savior.

How might this impact your life today? Since all of Scripture is revealing Christ, as we read each page, we can get excited that Jesus was foretold or a problem was uncovered that he would correct. There is no pointless story or boring lineage. It all matters.

Believing it all is about believing all the more in Jesus. This changes everything and makes all of life worthwhile.