Family

Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him’ Ruth 4:14-15 NKJV

Family is part of God’s plan. Since you didn’t crawl out from under a rock, you have one too. Like it or not, you’re part of a family. You didn’t choose them; God did. My husband says it’s overrated. Not because they’re unnecessary, but because merely being from the same birth family guarantees absolutely nothing: not love, not security, not happiness, not a good outcome. It doesn’t even guarantee a kidney if you need one. You can’t return or exchange them, you can’t trade them in, and you can’t teach them new tricks. Only God can open their eyes!

Jesus got it. He loved his earthly family, but they didn’t get Him - not initially. Once His ministry launched, there was an even greater divide. He told a room full of hungry hearers – strangers by birth - that “they” [the disciples] were his mother and brothers. Meanwhile His birth family - Mary, too - stood outside the door demanding an audience. Scripture says, “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and 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). Jesus was not renouncing his earthly family; He was not being rude or callous. He was stating a kingdom truth. He had a spiritual connection with the disciples. They shared love and an eternal bond or connection with Jesus that His earthly family didn’t.

Jesus has hit the nail on the head. To enjoy rich fellowship and understanding, God must be the common denominator. If He is not ruling and reigning in all hearts, there will be a disconnect. Understandably, there may even be strife, arguments, and evil planned against you. Since they persecuted Him, we should expect it too. Although it’s painful, don’t despair. Look to Jesus. He’s got your back. He will see you through!

God grew an amazing alliance between two women related only by marriage. Ruth and Naomi shared a bond, a spiritual bond - but Orpah didn’t. So at the first opportunity she returned to Moab rather than relocate to Bethlehem with Naomi. However, Ruth was a friend to Naomi – a true friend. She, too, was widowed and they shared that bond. They both loved Mahlon, Naomi’s son, who was also Ruth’s deceased husband. But, it went far beyond that. Ruth wanted to be with her new family – her family of faith. If you’re unfamiliar with her amazing story, you can read it in its entirety in Women of the Bible and God’s Redeeming Love. In a moment’s time, Ruth made a decision to leave her childhood home and family behind. Ruth had a kingdom vision and a kingdom purpose. Although her faith was new and tender, it was enough. It thrilled her and gave her longing to know God and discover her purpose. Ruth knew wherever Naomi was headed was far better than where she’d been. She knew, too, that she could make a difference. She was fully persuaded her future was in Bethlehem, and she never looked back.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, help us to love our families in a way that honors you. Give us the grace to turn the other cheek or to go the extra mile. We’re headed to heaven and don’t want to go without them. Whatever it takes Lord, please save them! Amen.