Family 5

John 15:15

With the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas our sons’ girlfriends are learning all the family traditions. They are picking up on the personalities of our relatives and beginning to understand the relationships between the family members. An outsider, someone who is not part of our family, has no need to understand all these things.

While speaking to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion Jesus lets them know where they stand with him. What name is taken away from the disciples? What are they now? Why is this?

The disciples followed Jesus in his ministry. They learned from him. They assisted him in the things that he did. In some ways they were like servants to him. At the very least they were students.

As the ministry of Jesus drew to an end, as he neared the end of his time on earth, he explained a change that had come about with his disciples. They were no longer pupils. They were no longer servants.

Instead, these devoted followers, these believers, were now friends to Jesus. They had learned everything Jesus had to teach. They understood things now. Although Jesus uses the term “friends” these followers were very much like family to Jesus.

We who believe in Jesus, who accept and believe that the child we celebrate at Christmas is truly our Savior and king, are people who are brought in to a deeper relationship with Christ. We no longer live in the darkness of ignorance and unbelief. We live in the light of God’s love.

We are friends to Jesus. We are more than friends; we are part of the family of our loving Savior. The celebration of Christmas is a time to share joy and love with family. Now that family includes Jesus.

As we enjoy Christmas we must be certain to make God, our heavenly Father, and Christ our king part of the joyous celebration. We are all part of one big family now.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you make Christ part of Christmas?

This is the last 10/2 Grow Daily Devotion for 2011. We wish all of you a joyous Christmas filled with the love of family and the love of God. The daily devotions will return on January 2, 2012. – Roger and Peggy

Family 4

John 1:11-13

My nephew and his wife adopted a child a few years back. The boy’s biological mother was unable to care for the child so she gave him up for adoption. Now the little boy has a safe and loving home.

Such a story is not unusual to most people. Adoptions happen all the time. They are a wonderful opportunity to provide a warm and loving home to a child in need, a child who otherwise may have a life of struggles and challenges.

While the Gospel of John does not have the traditional Christmas story we are accustomed to hearing during Advent, what the Gospel writer says fits well in the Christmas season. What is said of Jesus? How did most people respond to the arrival of Jesus? What does Jesus offer to those who believe?

Mary and Joseph and Jesus began as a family in humble surroundings, the baby being placed in a feed trough – a manger – because there was no room for the baby anywhere else. Shepherds were told about the miraculous birth and were invited to see their Savior. Magi traveled from far off countries to honor the child because they recognized him as a king.

In spite of all that surrounded that special birth, in spite of the signs from heaven, not everyone accepted the fact that Jesus was the Son of God. Not everyone recognized the baby as the king God had sent. Even as Jesus grew and began his ministry not everyone accepted what he had to say.

Jesus was rejected by many of the people, the people he had come to save.

But if we believe in all that Jesus is, if we believe he is the Son of God, if we believe the baby was our Savior and king, then we are invited in to the family of God, the family that Jesus is part of. When we recognize Jesus for all that he is – Mighty God, Prince of Peace – we are adopted into a new family. We may not be related to Jesus in the same way that Joseph, Mary, and his brothers and sisters were but we are part of this great family of love.

Let us learn to celebrate the family that we have been brought into, the family of Jesus. It is a family of great love and grace.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What will remind you that you are part of Jesus’ family?

Family 3

Matthew 12:46-50

The other night we had our church family Christmas dinner and program. Instead of the traditional event that featured the youngest children in the church singing songs and acting out the Christmas story, representatives from every Sunday school class gave short presentations of stories, readings and song. It truly was a church-wide program and it highlighted the fact that we are all part of one larger family – the family of God in the church.

Jesus was part of a family. Most people know that Jesus was part of a small family with Joseph as his father and Mary as his mother. But we have also seen that Jesus had brothers and sisters as part of his family. Now, in Matthew, we see a visit from Mary and his brothers. How did Jesus respond when told that his family was asking to see him? Who are Jesus’ mother and brothers?

At first glance this story can be seen as a slight to his earthly family. Jesus seems to be ignoring his mother and brothers who have come to see him about some matter.

We are not told that Jesus refused to speak to his family when they came looking for him. What we have is Jesus taking an opportunity to expand our view of who is part of his family.

Mary was indeed Jesus’ mother and his brothers are listed by name later in Matthew. We know who his mother and brothers are. But now Jesus points out that any person who does the will of God, our heavenly Father, is a brother or sister or mother to Jesus. Jesus is not excluding his earthly family; he is including all believers into his family.

We may look at our own situation at the holidays and feel that we want to spend time with family. We may plan to visit and exchange gifts with parents and siblings, possibly even cousins and uncles and aunts and others. We may be able to trace our family relations by blood as we consider our family.

But as we celebrate Christmas this year let us expand our view of our family. Jesus was given as God’s gift of love, and he came as part of an earthly family. But now we are included in the family that belongs to Christ. We are all part of one family under God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who needs to be part of your family?

Family 2

Matthew 13:55-56

With all the giving of gifts at Christmas, the many commercials and ads that urge buying the best and most expensive presents for others, the holiday often becomes a time of materialism. Christmas can become a celebration of possessions, a focus that takes us away from the gift of love from God.

But as time moves on, as we grow and mature, especially as we mature in our faith we can realize that the gifts – the things – of Christmas don’t have the appeal they once did. What becomes important is the time we spend together with the ones we love.

Although the focus of Advent and Christmas is often the baby in the manger, we must see that Jesus was part of a family. As Jesus was teaching in his hometown the people were amazed and in their amazement they wondered about this man they had known so many years. What questions did they ask? What family members are mentioned specifically?

In the amazement of the crowd, the questions they ask of each other, we see some details about the private life of Jesus. They mention his father, Joseph, someone we already know. They also talk about Mary, his mother. But now they talk about siblings to Jesus.

Listed by name are four brothers; James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Although they are not named, sisters are mentioned and the words “all his sisters” seems to hint at three or more. Jesus was not alone in his life. He had brothers and sisters as he grew up.

Why is this important? I believe it is important for us to remember that our Lord and Savior was no stranger to the relationships we have in life. He had friends. He had parents. He had siblings. Jesus is completely able to understand whatever it is we go through in our lives because he experienced it too.

Christmas can be a celebration not just of gifts given and not just the greatest gift of Jesus, but also a celebration of time together with family. Jesus was the first child of a family, and that family has now grown to include each of us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who needs to be included in your Christmas?

Family 1

Luke 2:4-7

Christmas is more than just a pleasant holiday we celebrate each winter. It is a time of sharing together with family. It is a celebration of the holy family – Joseph, Mary, and Jesus – and as such is a celebration of all families.

We are familiar with the Christmas story – not just the story of angels and shepherds and wise men – but also the story of a family. Where did Joseph go? Why did he go there? Who was with him? What was their relationship? What happened in Bethlehem?

Jesus did not enter into this world through some mysterious way, suddenly appearing in the streets of Bethlehem or Jerusalem. He did not come to earth in a strange light or cloud of smoke. He came into the world as all people do, through human birth.

Both Joseph and Mary, descended from the line of David, were required by the ruler’s decree at that time to return to the town of their heritage, to Bethlehem. While they were there fulfilling their legal responsibility Mary gave birth to a child.

We see in this story the actions of a dedicated husband and father. Joseph is obeying the law of the land and returning to Bethlehem even though it was a hardship to him as he was in the company of his new wife already pregnant. We see a loving mother, Mary, wrapping her child in cloths – a tradition of that culture to ensure strong, straight legs – and giving him the most warm and comfortable bed she could find.

With the arrival of the baby Jesus we have a growing family. But there is an interesting word used that we often overlook. This was her “firstborn” child. It was not her only child. The implication is that other children would follow.

Jesus came into this world as part of a family; a family we will soon see will grow to include brothers and sisters. The gift of Christmas is Jesus, but it is also the gift of family and the love that exists between parent and child, brother and sister. Christmas is the celebration of God’s love that brings parents and children together in an all-encompassing love of one universal family.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to make the holiday about family love?

We Seek Him 5

Mark 3:31-35

During that stretch of years when the relatives in my generation were all getting married, my cousins and I would often joke around by declaring to one another, “Hey, after this wedding we’ll be related!” Well, of course we would be related after the wedding. We were related before the wedding.

The joking aside, people joining together in marriage not only create their own small family, they become a link between two larger families. In a sense these separate families are united and a new family emerges.

Jesus himself made reference to a new type of family relation during his ministry. Who has come to visit Jesus? What question did Jesus pose? What does he say of those who do God’s will?

We are looking forward to this coming Sunday when two adults will be joining the church as new members. Joining the church is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a public commitment to becoming part of the church family. As members of a church family we have a shared claim on Jesus as our Savior, as well as a shared sense of caring for one another.

When we seek Jesus to have an encounter with him and enter into this relationship of faith, we are becoming part of a much larger group of people. We are becoming part of all those who have accepted Jesus. We are becoming part of all those who have believed and served the Lord in all the world.

As we seek Jesus and find him, we are changed. We are no longer alone, but united with the faithful across space and time. But there are some requirements that are expected of us. Just as joining the church is a declaration of the faithful behavior we will exhibit, declaring your belief in Christ is a commitment to doing the good work of God.

To be a brother or sister to Jesus we must not only seek him, we must do God’s will. And what is God’s will? In John 6:40 Jesus says, “my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life.” For us to do the will of God means that we will take part in helping others seek Jesus to have that relationship with him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What do you do that makes you a brother or sister to Jesus?

Fan or Follower 5

Mark 3:31-35

Over the holidays our small family gathers with members of our extended family, many of whom we see only a few times a year. Our children get to see their cousins, some of whom are about the same age and others who are older with children of their own. This usually results in the need to explain how we are all related – who is a cousin, who is a second cousin, who is a cousin once removed, and so on.

The terminology isn’t all that important. What is important is for all of us to know that we are a family, all connected in some way.

The same is true of our family of faith, our church family. There is a wide variety of ages and personalities, but we are all part of a family of believers, worshipers who gather to serve the kingdom of God.

We have been examining the family of Abraham, Isaac and Rebekah, a family of faith who lived out their faith in God. On Sunday we sang the song “The Family of God.” In that song we are reminded that we are part of a large family – not just the parents, brothers, sisters and cousins of our kinfolk. We are part of a much larger family of faith – all who believe and work for God.

In his ministry Jesus was visited by his mother and brothers. What did the crowd tell Jesus? What was Jesus’ response? Who are the brothers of Christ?

Being part of a family of faith, a much larger family than our blood relatives, involves sharing more than just a name or title. We can call ourselves “Christians,” telling the world that we are a fan of God and that we believe in Jesus. But to be a brother or sister in Christ requires that we show the love of God to those around us.

To be part of the family of God means more than simply gathering in God’s name. It means sharing what we have. It means offering sacrifices to benefit the needy and to give honor to God. As Jesus said, “Whoever does God’s will” are the ones who are the brothers and sisters of Christ. Doing the work of God is what it takes to be part of the family of God.

Are you a fan or a follower? Do you just believe in God? Are you a fan? Or are you a follower of God? Are you willing to do the work of God, loving others sacrificially, praising God through good works, and living by faith?

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to be a brother or sister of Christ?

Mighty God 4

Romans 8:35-37

Discussing the concept of family at our most recent Bible study we were to take some time and think about our own families and our past. We examined what type of family we each had, looking at what qualities we saw in each. And thinking back over all the years with my own family I came to realize that over all the years, all the events in our lives, the marriages, the travels, the sadness and joys, there was love as a constant thread.

And the same can be said of us as members of Christ’s family. Jesus was sent by God to live among mortals, to be our spiritual brother no matter how much time separates when we live and when Jesus lived.

In his letter to the believers in Rome Paul offers encouragement. What life afflictions are mentioned in today’s passage? How does Paul sum up what it sometimes feels like to be a Christian? What is the conclusion?

Jesus Christ was born to a small family, entering the world as a little child. Yet, he was also our mighty God. And part of his incredible might is the love that he brought to us all, all those who are part of the family of Christ. That love remains constant over all the centuries and will remain constant in all the years yet to come.

The story of Christmas seems fixed in time in the long ago, but the story of the joy that Jesus brings is a new story that we receive every day. It is easy to keep the image of Jesus as a tiny baby in a manger during this holiday. But we should never forget that he is also the mighty God who brings joy.

Christmas is the story of God making us conquerors, victors over all those problems we may have and victors over the burdens of sin. The love of our mighty God brings us the joy of victory over all of life’s troubles. His love brings the joy of victory over all the hardships we may face.

As we near the celebration of Christ’s birth let us be reminded that the child born is also the Son of God who delivers us with his power, the power of love. And let us never forget the bond that God’s love has with us. It cannot be defeated or blocked. It cannot be diminished or taken away.

The love of God expressed through his Son, Jesus, is a love that is with us always. And in all things we are more than conquerors through him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What does God’s love help you conquer?

I Am Blessed 1

Psalm 128:4-6

This coming Sunday is Laity Sunday. The message will be presented by a woman from one of our churches and Peggy and I get the weekend off (sort of). But what is more pleasing than getting a Sunday where we aren’t the worship leaders is knowing that the person giving the message has chosen the topic of blessings. She has seen so much blessing in her life that she will be sharing this idea.

Psalm 128 speaks of blessings. Who is blessed? What is offered in verse 5? What special blessing is mentioned in verse 6?

Looking at the notes for the message I saw that our speaker will point out the many blessings that each of us have in our lives, blessings that are often overlooked. The simplest part of life can be a blessing from God, yet we don’t always recognize it.

We may not have incredible wealth and we may not live in a palace. We may not have servants and enough disposable income that we can travel anywhere we like or be entertained by whatever we choose. Yet we are blessed.

The psalmist reminds us that to be blessed we need to be people who fear the Lord. That is to say, the person who honors God and respects Him, obeying His commands, is the one who will be blessed. And the blessings offered in this psalm are not riches beyond compare, tremendous good times, abundant food and entertainment, but the prosperity of Jerusalem. The blessings called upon are the successes of the nation, a place where life can be lived in safety and where the common goodness of basic needs is supplied.

Beyond the blessing of a good life, there is offered the blessing of longevity and descendents. “May you live to see your children’s children.” May you grow old and see your family grow.

What a blessing that is, to be surrounded by children and grandchildren and to have the length of years to enjoy the times together as a family group.

These are simple blessings, but some of the most profound from God. Good life, good health, and a happy family. If we can have these things from God and nothing more, still we are blessed.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What blessings do you have that you may have overlooked?

Who Do You Say I Am? 1

John 14:4-9

When our children were very young we had a difficult time explaining family relations to them. They had trouble understanding that I was their father, but also their uncle’s brother and their grandmother’s son. They could not accept the fact that I could be more than one person – in a sense – other than who I was to them.

A similar attitude can come up with our perception of Jesus. Each of us may see him as one person and have difficulty accepting that Jesus can be described in other terms as well. For the next few weeks we will be in pursuit of who Jesus really is.

In today’s passage Jesus is offering comfort to his disciples, explaining that he will be going away but there is no need for them to be distressed. He is indicating that he will soon be crucified, but the resurrection will follow.

What does Jesus claim the disciples know? What does Thomas claim? How does Jesus describe himself? What does Jesus say about himself and God, the Father?

The question of who Jesus is, is answered by Jesus himself. One aspect of Christ is that he is the way – the way we are able to gain eternal life. He is the truth. Through Jesus we can know what is right and holy and good. And Jesus is the life. Through him we can experience a rich and wonderful life.

Jesus makes it plain that there is no other way to inherit eternal life except through our belief in him. We must accept Jesus as Christ and Savior to be welcomed into the everlasting presence of God.

But we also learn that Jesus is the image of God. If we know Jesus then we know what God is like. Through the life and teaching of Christ we can see that God, the Father, is loving, compassionate, and merciful, and we can see that God desires us to be in relationship with him.

As we pursue who Jesus truly is we can see that he is the same as God, the Father. Through Jesus we can see our heavenly Father more clearly.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How would you describe Jesus?