Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 5, 2013
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” Mark 6:4
Jesus was first misunderstood by His family and friends. Once a carpenter they thought, always a carpenter. Those He grew up with had no category for Him becoming Christ. Since He was one of them, they wondered where His wisdom came from. Therefore be encouraged, Jesus encountered our same feelings of misunderstanding and rejection from family. Yet, He was pragmatic; He moved on from where He wasn’t welcomed. Jesus went to where He was honored.
Our families do not always understand our faith in Jesus Christ. They may be polite, offering a patronizing smile, but saying disparaging things behind our backs. Or they may say to our face that our faith may be good for us, but not for them. There is a barrier of belief to those who see our life change. They fear if they come to Christ they will have to change. However, fear of the Lord precludes other fears. His perfect love casts out the concerns of those who need to receive His love. Our faith in Jesus remains peculiar to people who remain in a state of unbelief in Jesus.
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 12:48-50, NKJV
Moreover, when those whose hearts are closed don’t have ears to hear, we move on to minister to those with an open heart. We still love our unbelieving family members, but we do not allow their unbelief to slow down our service for Jesus. We pray for them to experience the light of the Lord’s love while we proceed forward with Christ in the assurance of His will. Time is valuable, so we prayerfully look for opportunities to offer the gospel to receptive hearts and minds.
Furthermore, as you serve others in Jesus’ name, commit to go out in pairs. Serve with another friend so you have their prayer support. Seek to co-labor for Christ to protect you from unwise decisions. Minister with another friend for encouragement and to celebrate God’s goodness. Serve with another friend, because Jesus said not to minister alone. Yes, support your family in Jesus’ name. Love them, share the gospel and one day, by faith, they may come to know Him. Pray misunderstandings move to understanding and to receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior!
“Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. ” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. Genesis 50:16-17
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me to minister to my family even when they don’t understand my faith walk and Your great love for them.
Related Readings: Nehemiah 1:6; Matthew 6:14; Acts 10:2; Ephesians 4:17-19
Post/Tweet today: Our faith in Jesus remains peculiar to people who remain in a state of unbelief in Jesus. #misunderstoodbyfamily
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Just asking. what passage in the niv bilble does it say that we are not to minister alone but with someone. the devotion cought my attention when you said that jesus didn’t minister alone and that we shouldn’t minister alone.
I think many family members are worried about being condemned by people who are passionate about Christ. Chirst was passionate about Love (Christian love). When we treat others lovingly, people accept us, and Christ, more willingly. Your writings are kind and loving like that…not condemning. Thank you for your mercy.
Dear Jane,
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter! Your comments about treating other lovingly were so true. Thank you for your insight.
We hope you will continue to be blessed by the Wisdom Hunters devotionals. Have a wonderful day. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne Maffett
Wisdom Hunters
Dear Wayne,
We are so thankful you are a fellow wisdom hunter. We also appreicate you taking the time to email us with this great question. I have to tell you, I love trying to answer these questions because it makes me dig deep into the Word, our life’s “answer book”. What a blessing that is!
Throughout the bible, there are many “partnerships in prayer and witnessing”. In particular, the Book of Acts, Saul (later known as Paul) was teamed up with Barnabas as they ministered to the Gentiles. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” Acts 13:2 Later on in Acts, Paul and Silas team up and Timothy later joins them. I can’t help but think that accountability, shared wisdom and safety play a big part in the effectiveness that these partnerships had. (Come to think of it, the same holds true for today!)
Matthew 18:19-20 states “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three of you come together in my Name, there am I with you”.
Wayne, again I thank you for this thoughtful question. I hope you will be blessed by the Wisdom Hunters devotionals. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and Trusting~
Gwynne Maffett
Wisdom Hunters