Family Loyalty
Opening Prayer
Come now to Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden.
Read Luke 8:16-21
[16] “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. [17] For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. [18] Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” [19] Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. [20] Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” [21] He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Who does Jesus say are his closest relatives?Are you like me? Do you ever think that because you haven’t said something, no one knows? They usually do! And there are no secrets from God. What is the thing you most desire from God today? What are you hiding today that might be in the way? I have a flashlight smaller than a grape which shines a light visible a mile away in open countryside. Light shows (6), and it’s for sharing. It’s interesting that you can just see light—you don’t always need to explain it.
So how do we listen (18)? I help people learn to listen more effectively—and part of listening is doing something with what we hear. Jesus is saying, use what you listen to; or lose it. Jesus’ family turned up to see him. Stand in their shoes as you hear him speak to the crowd (21). Now stand in the shoes of an interested onlooker who is beginning to understand and believe what Jesus is saying. How do you feel now?
Apply
Who is your family—at home, at work, in the community? Pray for help to grow those family relationships.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to grow closer to You each day and closer to those in my family, also.
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