Looking Back Over Jesus’ Life

While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:46-50

My faith is constantly enriched by my encounters with other followers of Jesus. In the words of our Lord, these people who are also doing the will of our Heavenly Father are indeed my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am reminded of that with actual words when we travel in mission to the country of Honduras. I can picture in my memory so clearly the greeting I always receive from Pastor Juan Rodas, a fellow Christian. With outstretched arms and a big smile, he walks toward me in the airport in Tegucigalpa and says “Hermano Steve” (Brother Steve). He believes what his words express – we are brothers in Christ.

I have felt that with so many other Christians – my brothers and sisters in faith. I love how I experience that kinship with members of Pastor Juan’s church, and the members of our church who travel in mission. There is something that binds us together (that we are doing the will of our Heavenly Father). It’s great to experience how we fit into God’s family. I feel that here in Winter Haven, too.

Thanks, brothers and sisters in Christ, for helping me experience the living faith.

Prayer 

God, thank You for making me a part of Your family with my sisters and brothers in Christ. Let me remember this kinship the people I encounter today as we seek to do Your will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.