Devotion

Mark 3: 35  For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Some of us say we are an only child.  Folks that say so mean that their moms and dads had no other children.  But our text for today says that all believers have at least one sibling, Jesus.  In later lessons, we will learn what the will of God is and how we can do it.  But for now, think of it as being an obedient child.  Those who follow God, He calls his children and so Jesus is their Brother.

We are doubly blessed because God who is all powerful promises that He will take care of us.  That promise is strengthened in our heavenly Brother, Jesus.  He took care of the most important thing for us.  He took away our sins.  

Jesus was only able to take away our sins because He paid for them when He died on the cross.  He said "It is finished."  And with those words, He told everybody that He had done what we couldn't do.  He had paid for our sins by suffering our punishment so we wouldn't have to.  

Some people don't want Jesus to be their brother.  Their rejection doesn't change the fact that their sins, too, are paid.  That Jesus is their brother.  Even some of the people who heard Jesus say "For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Rejected Jesus and His word.  By doing so, they brought back upon themselves their sins.  Their sins would send them to hell where they would see the truth.  Jesus is LORD.  

May we always remember our Brother, Jesus.

Devotion

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Who Needs a Kitchen Table?

Do you have a kitchen table? Or more specifically, do you sit down together at the table for meals? In many homes today that rarely happens. Family members live in the same house, but seldom spend enough time together to even share a meal. Each person goes their own way to a practice, work, or other event. Even if they are home at the same time, they are off doing their own thing without any thought of one another.

It might be a sign of the times, but it's not an encouraging one. The Lord created us for involved, loving, family relationships. Without them, who will teach, correct, and provide for children? Without them, where can we find constant companionship, unconditional commitment, and help in times of need?

Family is a gift of God. "God sets the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6). But it takes work. Neglect it and it can quickly fall apart. That's where the kitchen table comes in. One way of nurturing family ties is by taking the time to share meals and talk about the joys and problems of one another. A concern for one member is something that matters to the whole family.

It is especially true for our spiritual family. By faith in Christ we are blood-bought children of God and fellow members of His family. "There is one body and one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4:4-5). No matter how different we may be in other ways, we are one family in Christ. It's a great blessing, but it too takes conscious effort to preserve. The writer to the Hebrews says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

Let's make good use of the "kitchen table" of family devotions, Sunday worship, Bible class, and the Lord’s Supper, which all provide opportunities for us to strengthen our ties with our heavenly Father by hearing His Word of forgiveness and peace in Jesus. Let's look for ways to encourage, correct, and share with one another the joys and struggles of the Christian life. As a result, the faith and joy of the entire family is increased. It takes planning and effort, but it's worth it. It's what the Lord made us for, and He has promised to bless it.

The lesson

Questions.

LSB 2134

Notes: