Today's Reading: Luke 8
Today's Focus: Vs. 19-21
Among first responders (fire/ems/police), there's a term used to describe all of us. "The Brotherhood." A lieutenant once offended everyone by saying, "It's stupid. Just because we do the same job doesn't make us a brotherhood. Being unified at a familial level based on career is nonsensical." He quickly lost the respect of those who heard his remark.
Yet the more I read Scripture, the more I am convicted about this. I was that guy that would "Bro" any and everyone. "Thanks for helping out, bro!" to the cashier at a store. "Awesome shirt, bro!" to the random stranger at the mall. I've used it so much that it has lost its meaning. I don't really consider them blood. I don't consider them family. They have nothing in common with me.
As I read verses 19-21, it sanctifies (purifies) my usage of that title. Jesus mother and siblings come looking for Him. The crowd passes on the word to Jesus saying, "Your mother, and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you" (vs 20). They didn't mean anything more than that and probably didn't think twice about what they said. Yet, Jesus takes this opportunity to correct their language. He does not casually give out the familial title to just anyone. He only gives it to "those who hear the word of God and do it" (vs 21).
This teaches me that the title of "brother" is earned. You hear God's Word, and you put it into practice. Then and only then are you considered family to me. It is convicting because this title which I use carelessly means so much to Him. If it matters to God, then it must matter to me. If that is how Jesus defines it, then it must be how I define it.
This ultimately means that the Brothers and Sisters at church (those who heard God's Word and obey it) are more related to me than my own cousins who do not believe. One day, all relationships on earth will end at death. The ones that will remain eternally connected are the ones who profess Jesus as the Christ, hear God's Word, and obey it. If I call you "brother/bro" now, rest assured that it isn't stemming from Californian roots. I now use it the way Jesus does.
You and I might not be blood-related, but we are Blood-related. That's with a capital "B", bro.
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