WORD OF THE WEEK - FAMILY - 5-12-24

Definition: a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not:any group of people closely related by blood or marriage, a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together.
Scriptures:Genesis 2:24:“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”Romans 12:5“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

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Transcript

Definition: a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not:any group of people closely related by blood or marriage, a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together.
Scriptures:Genesis 2:24:“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”Romans 12:5“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

THOUGHT

During my youth, the definition of family was characterized on television in programs where the family was led by a strong, male figure who had a casual, yet authorirative style that emphasized the wholesome values of love, respect, and discipline.  Shows like “Father Knows Best,” “Leave It to Beaver”, “Lassie”, and “Bonanza” took place in a small community where, any disobedient or non-compliant child would be brought into compliance with the family values through the wisdom of the Father. Rarely, did those idyllic television programs deal with the harsh reality of issues that complicate the dynamics of “family”.  Issues of poverty, war, race relations, homosexuality, single-parent households, death, nor political uncertainty and its impact on the “family” were never introduced.   Life is far more intricate than what those programs portrayed.
Although the bible defines a family as a husband, wife and their offspring, the Bible itself provides examples of diverse family structures that go beyond the traditional model.
For example: 1. Abraham and Sarah were married.  In her youth, Sarah was barren.  She offered her servant Hagar, to her husband Abraham to bear him a child as her surrogate.  Ismael was the son born to that union.   Sarah’s actions led to complications when in her later years, she miraculously gave birth to Isaac. This unconventional arrangement highlights the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of inappropriate decisions.
2. Jacob, (later known as Israel) married two sisters, Leah and Rachel.   The least favorite of his wives Leah and her surrogates, had ten sons, while Rachel, the one he most loved had two.  God promised Israel that he would be the “Father of many nations”.  This extremely complicated family structure entitled the children of both wives and their surrogates to receive the promise.  It is from their unconventional lineage that the twelve tribes of Isael were established.   
3. Mary, the virgin Mother of Jesus was impregnated by the Holy Spirit, while legitimately married to Joseph.  After the birth of Jesus, there were four sons and at least two daughters born to Mary and Joseph.  One can only imagine the complexity of their  sibling dynamic. 
4. Jesus discipled many people with some becoming His apostles.   He considered them all a part of His spiritual family, as they accepted his authority as the Son of God and the Son of Man bridging the gap between heaven and earth by offering salvation to humanity and acceptance to all who believed.
These examples of families illustrate that God’s allowance for the complexity of relationships of humankind cannot be determined nor defined by man.  It is only the sovereignty of God that can restrict, determine or dictate membership into the family of God.  In unconditional love, the criteria for membership in the family is beautifully stated in John 1:12 and includes “All who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God”.
A family who includes “All who believes” does not differentiate among its siblings based on ability, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other human consideration.   “All who believe,” does not categorize, exclude nor discriminate. 
So, if God can accept all who receive Christ Jesus and who believe in his name, tell me, who among us has the authority to determine, qualify, or place limitations on the members of God’s family.   
As the children of God, we have the authority to accomplish one task….. 
We are to LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!
And enjoy the family!