S.O.A.P for 02/19/2009 Family

S: Mark 3:31-35
Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside, they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."

But He answered saying "Who is My mother, or My brothers?" And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother, and My sister, and My mother."

O: Jesus was saying that our spiritual family was ultimately more important and longer lasting that those formed in our physical families. Although Jesus cared for His mother and brothers, He also cared for ALL who loved Him. He didn't show partiality but expressed His love equally to allow everyone the privilege of being in God's family.

He was explaining that God's bonds of love and fellowship are stronger than blood ties because even family members can have different views, beliefs, ways of living, etc, that can drive them apart and cause division. As sad as that may sound, God knew this, and blesses us by offering us a "replacement" family to fill in that gap. One that is more fulfilling and ultimately longer lasting because we are all working towards the same goal.

A: The app part of this is "Old News" for me, but reading the scripture refreshed my heart and revealed to me the depth of which this scripture has been applied in my life. This scripture now holds deep meaning for me and has placed deep roots. Circumstances and time have placed a rift in my blood family. We don't call each other as oft as we could, we don't go to them first, when something wonderful happens. I haven't seen my blood family in 8 years, due to finances, circumstances, and God's will. I truly believe that this lesson was meant for me. That being said, I have been truly blessed with my Spiritual Family. I have deeper, more meaningful relationships now, than I ever thought I could. Distance keeps communication at a minimum, but with God having developed my Spiritual Family, I can always find a "brother" or "sister" close by to fellowship with, find guidance, seek comfort, and love with all that I am that has far exceeded the ties I once shared with my blood family. In being so far away, God has forced His hand and taught me a beautiful lesson about His people.

P: Father, God,
I thank You so much for this special provision. Knowing that when we are all focused on You, our fellowship and friendship can only deepen and become even warmer than the blood ties that we may already have. I thank You for revealing this to me as you have. It wasn't easy, but at the same time, you left me no choice, and taught me I couldn't and shouldn't be alone, and forced my hand and heart to reach out, and to what end! I am so in love with the people I share my life with, I couldn't imagine not having them with me now. For this I thank You, for I have found true brothers and sisters, ones I can share with, laugh with, love with, be myself with. Knowing that we share the same goal and will one day all walk with You make it all so much sweeter that these bonds will carry us into eternity.

I am truly blessed and feel unworthy of such wonderful brothers and sisters. Already they have shared so much more than my blood family was ever capable of... I am not saddened by this, as I am no longer alone, and have learned a great and wonderful lesson. I pray that You, who is ever watchful, have seen what my brothers and sisters have done for me any my family, and I pray that you take them close and bless them in unimaginable ways for their generosity, their love, and their fellowship, which have been true reflections of You. You must be so proud of these wonderful followers of You!

In Jesus Name,
Amen

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
*Michael W. Smith*