Word@Work 154 - Mark 13:12-13
Published: Fri, 06/27/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:12-13 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (NIV)
Families are special! They should provide a secure place where we are loved, and we can love others freely, without fear. When people believe in the saving grace of Christ, they are adopted into God's family, and He calls them 'His children'. So every believer has two families - a natural one and a spiritual one. In God's creation design, there should be no conflict between the two - but when sin entered the world, we also saw the first murder - brother on brother (Genesis 4:1-12).
Because human nature is at war with God, joining the family of God may not be well received by others in our human family. Jesus often upsets the way a family sees authority, and introduces a disturbing new dynamic. As He is Lord, those who submit to Him become targets for those who refuse to obey Him. Jesus did not minimise the pain of this situation, or suggest ways of minimising the Christian's discomfort: His command was simple, "stand firm!"
When people hate you, sideline you or become rebels; all because you serve Jesus ... what should you do? However hard it is, your first loyalty is to your Heavenly Father. Jesus' instruction to, "stand firm" is for us too. If necessary, we must just keep trusting and not to be dissuaded, even by family. Such gentle courage in the face of derision (or even being put out of the family) is a mark that Jesus, and not the family, has the right to own you. What He allows must be all right, and we can be confident that His salvation is certain in the end.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for making me a part of Your family, as I trust in the grace of Christ. Help me to keep on loving my family: but if they don't love me, or their hatred boils over against me, help me to keep on trusting in Jesus and His unique salvation. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Families are special! They should provide a secure place where we are loved, and we can love others freely, without fear. When people believe in the saving grace of Christ, they are adopted into God's family, and He calls them 'His children'. So every believer has two families - a natural one and a spiritual one. In God's creation design, there should be no conflict between the two - but when sin entered the world, we also saw the first murder - brother on brother (Genesis 4:1-12).
Because human nature is at war with God, joining the family of God may not be well received by others in our human family. Jesus often upsets the way a family sees authority, and introduces a disturbing new dynamic. As He is Lord, those who submit to Him become targets for those who refuse to obey Him. Jesus did not minimise the pain of this situation, or suggest ways of minimising the Christian's discomfort: His command was simple, "stand firm!"
When people hate you, sideline you or become rebels; all because you serve Jesus ... what should you do? However hard it is, your first loyalty is to your Heavenly Father. Jesus' instruction to, "stand firm" is for us too. If necessary, we must just keep trusting and not to be dissuaded, even by family. Such gentle courage in the face of derision (or even being put out of the family) is a mark that Jesus, and not the family, has the right to own you. What He allows must be all right, and we can be confident that His salvation is certain in the end.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for making me a part of Your family, as I trust in the grace of Christ. Help me to keep on loving my family: but if they don't love me, or their hatred boils over against me, help me to keep on trusting in Jesus and His unique salvation. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W154 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on