Topic: Ephesians 2:19-21
"You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord." Ephesians 2:19b-21
Recently I helped a friend move. Anyone who's done that can appreciate that it's not the most enjoyable activity. My friend's brother also helped her move, but I noticed that she didn't need to ask him; his help was implied. However, she made it a point to ask for my help, even though we've been friends for many years and I was of course glad to do it.
I think the difference was that her brother is part of her family, whereas I am "only" a friend.
In today's passage, we read that we are "members of God's family". We are therefore brothers and sisters in Christ. Perhaps Paul was remembering this teaching of Jesus:
While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 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
Today, we are Jesus' disciples. Jesus points to you, and calls you a member of His family, dearly loved and accepted.
Can't we do the same for our family in Christ? Can't we be united in Christ, "perfectly united in mind and thought" with our fellow brothers and sisters? (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Or, to paraphrase Jesus' question, who is your mother, who are your brothers?
Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation
at 10:41 AM CDT